A North Carolina man was charged with 56 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor Wednesday after investigators said the man had downloaded child pornography, the News & Observer reported.

Phillip Stephen Stallings, 40, of Durham, was charged with 28 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 28 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to WTVD.

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A joint investigation by the Durham County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Department of Homeland Security concluded that Stallings downloaded media that involved minors engaged in sexual activities, the News & Observer reported.

"(It's) part of an investigation across the nation right now for possession of child pornography and creation of child pornography," Durham County Assistant District Attorney Kendra Montgomery-Blinn said during a court hearing Thursday morning, WRAL reported. "They had information that Mr. Stallings was sharing his materials on a social media platform."

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Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC