A Morganton woman is facing child sex charges after her fiancé was jailed under similar charges earlier this month. Starla Paige Stamey, 29, of Morganton, was charged with five counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to warrants filed at the Burke County Courthouse. Stamey was served with the warrants Monday, according to arrest records.
The warrants say the offense occurred on April 21. The documents say Stamey took nude photographs of a 9-year-old girl in the shower. The charges against Stamey follow the arrest of her fiancé, 30-year-old Andrew Clay Devinney. He is charged with eight counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Charges Stem From Joint Investigation
Charges against Devinney came after a joint investigation by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, according to information previously released by the sheriff’s office. Warrants issued for Devinney say he sent Stamey several videos containing child sexual abuse material. Two of the videos showed a man sexually assaulting a girl who looked to be about 8 years old, according to the warrant. Other videos showed girls who looked to be 10-14 years old with their private areas exposed.
Fiancé Resigned From Correctional Institute
Devinney, who worked for Marion Correctional Institute in McDowell County, resigned from his position there Aug. 15, according to Brad Deen, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Stamey’s bond was set at $125,000 secured, jail records show. She has posted bond, said Sheriff Banks Hinceman. Devinney remains in custody at the Burke County Jail under a $500,000 secured bond. He’s due back in court Friday.
A Shocking Revelation
The charges against Stamey and Devinney are a shocking reminder of the prevalence of child sexual abuse. According to the National Sexual Assault Hotline, one in nine children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. This crime can have devastating and long-lasting effects on victims. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE. You are not alone.
This case is a reminder of the importance of reporting any suspected child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact your local law enforcement agency. You can also report suspected abuse to the North Carolina Department of Social Services at 1-800-662-7030. Every child deserves to be safe.
Reporting Child Abuse
Reporting suspected child abuse is crucial in protecting children from harm. The following are some ways to report suspected abuse:
- Contact your local law enforcement agency.
- Call the North Carolina Department of Social Services at 1-800-662-7030.
- Report suspected abuse online through the NC Department of Social Services website.
By working together, we can help protect children from sexual abuse and create a safer world for everyone.
