Joshua Paul Dix was taken into custody on May 7 following an investigation by the Invictus Task Force related to a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities said that Dix, age 21, was identified as a suspect during the course of the investigation that began in January.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by local and federal agencies to address internet crimes against children. The Invictus Task Force is described as a joint effort involving Randolph, Alamance, Davidson, Forsyth, and Rockingham Counties, along with the Liberty Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security. The group focuses on fighting internet crimes against children (ICAC), sexual abuse, trafficking, and child exploitation through collaborative resources.
According to officials, “On May 7, 2026, with the assistance of the Greensboro Police Department Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was executed by members of the Invictus Task Force. As a result, Joshua Paul Dix was subsequently taken into custody and charged with ten (10) counts of Felony Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.” Authorities said that Dix was transported to Randolph County Detention Center where no bond was issued. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 8 in Randolph County District Court.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials encourage anyone with information related to this case or other instances of child exploitation or trafficking to contact law enforcement or call the national hotline for assistance at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
While local law enforcement continues its work on these cases in Randolph County schools during the recent academic year ACT testing showed that only about one out of seven students were considered ready for college-level science or math based on their scores according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
