Earlier today, Union County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 56-year-old Jeffrey Schneider of Waxhaw as part of an ongoing Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The investigation leading to Schneider’s arrest began after detectives received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that pertained to the possession and downloading of images flagged as child pornography. Detectives learned during their investigation that Schneider was employed as an instructional coach at Sun Valley middle and high schools.

UCSO detectives, deputies, Crime Laboratory personnel, and NCSBI special agents conducted a search warrant at Schneider’s residence in the Skyecroft subdivision early this morning. During the search warrant, numerous electronic devices were located and seized as evidence that will now be forensically examined by specially trained UCSO Crime Laboratory personnel. Schneider was taken into custody without issue and transported to the Union County Detention Center where he was charged with ten counts of Felony Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Schneider currently remains in custody under a secured bond of $50,000.00. Union County Public Schools officials have placed Schneider on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds “Our detectives have seen a significant increase in online exploitation cases over the past several years. These offenders believe that they can commit their crimes on the internet and will never be held accountable for their actions. My office remains committed to identifying, locating, and apprehending online predators so that we can ensure the safety of our children and teenagers. I encourage all local parents to monitor their children’s internet activity and to report any suspicious communications their child may receive.”

Sheriff Cathey would like to thank the NCSBI for their assistance in this investigation as well as the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office who utilized electronics detection K-9 “Mac” during this morning’s search warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call 911, the Union County Sheriff’s Office at (704)283-3789, or Union County Crime Stoppers at (704)283-5600. Crime tips can also be submitted through the UCSO’s free smartphone application which can be downloaded at the links below.

Sheriff’s App Download Links
- Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocvapps.a845
- Apple/iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/union-county-sheriff-nc/id1660816160

UCSO Point of Contact for this Press Release is Lt. James Maye at (704)506-6843