More details have been released in connection to the arrest of a Hickory man on more than 50 sex offense counts. WHKY previously reported on this suspect’s arrest earlier this month.

62-year-old Kelly Lee Setzer of Mark Drive in Hickory was arrested November 3 on charges filed by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and Hickory Police Department. He’s charged by the Sheriff’s Office with 23 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of indecent liberties with a minor. Hickory Police charged Setzer with ten counts apiece of second-degree and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to published reports, Hickory Police arrested Setzer following an investigation that dates back to 2021. Setzer was the owner of Max’s Mexican Eatery in Hickory when the investigation began. The restaurant was located on Highway 70 in Southwest Hickory. It closed in 2022.

According to multiple published reports, in September and October of 2020, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received three tips regarding alleged child pornography. The investigation led to Setzer’s arrest.

Setzer was initially jailed the Catawba County Detention Facility under $455,000 bond. As of earlier today (November 15), Setzer remained in jail and his bond was listed at $1,230,000. The next scheduled District Court date is November 27.

[Additional information courtesy of Rick Gilbert, WACB]