Lawson. Photo courtesy of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

A joint investigation between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies has resulted in the arrest of a Lower Moncure Road man for allegedly possessing child pornography.

Joseph Herman Lawson Sr., 68, of 1892 Lower Moncure Road faces 15 counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was charged Friday and placed in the Lee County Jail under $1 million secured bond.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation involved Homeland Security and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. After law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lawson’s home, they discovered a “large amount of child pornography” on electronic devices. Deputies described the investigation as ongoing.