Two charged in connections with the sexual exploitation of minors

Thomasville detectives have charged two people in connection with prostitution and the sexual exploitation of minors as a result of a three-month long investigation.

In September 2023, a welfare check for a separate investigation led investigators to uncover evidence of the sexual exploitation of two minors.

Dashaun Underwood, 31, of Kernersville, was initially charged and arrested on one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor on November 8, 2023. Underwood posted a $100,000 secured bond and was released.

Investigators uncovered additional evidence and detectives identified a second person involved in the exploitation. Detectives discovered evidence that Dashaun Underwood solicited and purchased explicit photos and videos from a minor child. Additional evidence led authorties to identify Ashley Williams, 23, of Unity Street, Thomasville. Williams was charged with two counts of promoting prostitution, and one count of felony aid and abet statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years of age or younger. Williams was arrested on December 6, 2023, and received a $100,000 secured bond and was placed in the Davidson County Jail. Her court date is set for January 3, 2024, in Lexington.

Additional charges for Underwood include four counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years of age or younger, and two counts of patronizing a prostitute. Underwood was arrested this morning at his residence with the assistance of Kernersville Police Department and is currently incarcerated in the Davidson County Jail awaiting first appearance to determine conditions of release. His court date is set for February 8, 2024, in Lexington.

Davidson County Social Services assisted TPD detectives in this investigation. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call Thomasville Police at 336-475-4260.