Fayetteville teen facing counts of 'sextortion' makes court appearance

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said deputies first received a tip in February alleging that a person was enticing children for sexual acts via the social media apps Instagram and kik.

Authorities said that a juvenile sent compromising photos to someone he believed to be female. He was then told to disclose his Instagram password or the photos would be sent to his classmates and parents.

An investigation into the victim’s cell phone led authorities to William Alan Buie, who attended Freedom Christian Academy with the victim.

Buie, of 910 Chestnut Street, was arrested Wednesday after an investigation of his computer and electronic devices. He was charged with 13 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation, 16 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation, 13 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation and three counts of extortion.

"He would ask for a picture and send a picture of a female so the person thought they were having dialog with a female," said Sgt. Sean Swain. "Then, the person would turn around and extort them for passwords."

Authorities said they found other victims on the suspect’s computer, and that Buie was using the photos on websites for gay men.

The victims involved in the case have also been charged with internet sexual-related offenses, according to authorities.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more of this," Swain said. "In this case there are allegations of dissemination, allegations of coercion, extortion, that sort of thing."

Investigators believe there may be additional victims.

"Usually with these types of sex crimes, once you uncover one or two, the dominos start to fall and you start finding more victims," Swain said.

Buie was being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $215,000 secured bond.