3 NC men arrested in sex sting after private group poses online as kids
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- Three men were arrested after a private group, posing as minors, reported luring them.
- All three suspects face felony solicitation of a minor by computer charges, police said.
- Police cautioned residents not to conduct independent stings and to report concerns.
Hillsborough police arrested three men over the weekend after a private group reported luring them to homes and a business by posing as children online.
All three were charged with felony solicitation of a minor by computer, police reported Monday in a news release. No children were involved in the operation or the arrests.
Police charged:
- Timothy William Armstrong, 36, of Hurdle Mills, who was arrested Saturday at a home north of Hillsborough. He was released from the Orange County jail after posting a $10,000 secured bond.
- Tyrone Paul Smith, 28, of Woodleaf, who was also charged Saturday at a home north of Hillsborough. He is being held in the Orange County jail under a $5,000 secured bond.
- Durham resident Howard Anttwein Cox Jr. was arrested Sunday at a business on U.S. 70 in Hillsborough. Cox, 52 and also known by the last name Johnson, has a previous criminal history, including traffic and larceny charges, court records show. He remains in the Orange County jail under a $5,000 secured bond.
Members of the unidentified private group agreed to meet the men, who thought they were talking with minors under the age of 16, after interacting with them online and in phone messaging apps, police reported.
Magistrate warrants filed with the Orange County Clerk of Superior Court allege the men thought they were meeting with children “for the purpose of committing an unlawful sex act.”
Members of the group, which police did not identify, detained at least one of the men after they showed up at an agreed-upon meeting site. The group contacted law enforcement to have the men arrested. The group also gave police electronic evidence against the men, the release stated.
“The Hillsborough Police Department recognizes the community’s shared concern for the safety and well-being of children and appreciates individuals who report suspicious or concerning behavior,” Capt. Richard Hooks said, but he cautioned others against taking similar action.
“We encourage all community members to promptly share information with law enforcement so it can be addressed safely and effectively,” he said. “For the safety of all involved and to protect the integrity of potential criminal cases, individuals should not attempt to conduct independent enforcement actions.”
The department’s criminal investigations division is still investigating the cases, the release said.
Anyone with information can contact Sgt. Alex Gregory at 919-296-9543 or by email at alex.gregory@hillsboroughnc.gov. Anonymous tips can be reported by calling 919-296-9555, or using the See it, Say it, Send it app or website.
This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 1:28 PM.
