CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — After an extensive federal investigation spanning both Carolinas, 40-year-old Ricky Dean Clinton was arrested on multiple serious charges involving crimes against children, including human trafficking of a child.
Clinton was the target of a multi-county manhunt led by U.S. Marshals, with charges including human trafficking, indecent liberties with a child, first-degree kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Authorities also apprehended an alleged accomplice, 60-year-old Lisa Bradshaw, who appeared in court Tuesday facing felony charges including aiding and abetting and first-degree kidnapping. Police records link Bradshaw closely to Clinton.
Neighbors in Cleveland County, where Clinton reportedly lived, described witnessing suspicious activity possibly connected to the case. One neighbor recounted seeing Bradshaw transport a person from South Carolina to the area.
“Lisa went up there and grabbed her and brought her from South Carolina and brought her all the way back down here,” the neighbor said.
Residents voiced concern about the alleged crimes occurring near their homes, especially given the neighborhood’s children.
“It’s just a bit scary, you know, with us having kids and stuff like that,” said one resident. “You don’t know what he’s going to do. He’s got his own kids. It’s just weird.”
Law enforcement activity around properties linked to the suspects has been frequent, according to neighbors who noted regular police visits to the area.
