News

Mills River man receives long prison sentence for child-sex crimes

Tyson Emrys Neal Pike

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 18, 2026

A 40-year-old Mills River man received a prison sentence of up to 31 years after pleading guilty on Friday to two counts of statutory sexual offense of a child by an adult, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, taking indecent liberties with a child and providing controlled substances to a minor, District Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced on Tuesday.

According to the investigation and court trial records, Tyson Emrys Neal Pike was able to gain the trust of the 11-year-old victim’s family to gain access to the child. Pike used controlled substances to manipulate the victim over a long period of time, eventually leading to sexual assault and the production of child pornography, the D.A. said.

Superior Court Judge Steve Warren, presiding over a session of Henderson County Criminal Superior Court, sentenced Pike to a minimum term of 22 years and a maximum of 31 years in state prison. Pike will be on probation once released from prison, subject to five years of satellite-based monitoring and registration as a sex offender for 30 years.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Van Buren handled the prosecution and sentencing in the case. Murray thanked the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and, in particular, Detective Sgt. Brad Butterfield, for the professional and thorough investigation of this case, as well as Safelight Child Advocacy Center for its commitment and dedication to the victim.

“This community is much safer with this child predator in prison," Murray said. "Those who prey upon vulnerable children will always be a priority of this office under my leadership.”