Registered Sex Offender Captured in Montana After Fleeing Iredell County

NEWS RELEASE

A registered sex offender who fled North Carolina to avoid prosecution has been captured following an extensive investigation led by Detective A. Sanford of the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from federal law enforcement partners.

Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On March 2, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Probation and Parole Office notified Detective Sanford that Katherine Stewart was not in compliance with her sex offender registration requirements. During the investigation, detectives determined that Stewart had fled the state in an effort to evade prosecution.

It was also discovered that when Stewart, along with Michael Buckner and Robert Miller, left the residence on Brawley Road, they abandoned an animal inside the home. Iredell County Animal Services responded and took possession of the animal to ensure its safety and well-being.

Stewart fled the state with Michael Buckner and Robert Miller, traveling toward the Canadian border in an attempt to avoid prosecution. The investigation led by Detective Sanford ultimately resulted in Stewart, Buckner, and Miller being located and apprehended on May 1, 2026, in Valley County, Montana, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

A 3-year-old child found with the group was safely taken into protective custody and is currently under the care of the Montana Department of Social Services pending return to North Carolina.

Following extradition to North Carolina on June 9, 2026, Stewart was issued a $550,000 secured bond. Buckner received a $125,000 secured bond, while Miller was issued a $500,000 secured bond.

"This case demonstrates the importance of proactive sex offender compliance enforcement," said Sheriff Campbell. "Registered offenders are required to follow laws designed to protect our communities. When someone chooses to ignore those requirements and attempts to flee, our investigators will work tirelessly to locate them and hold them accountable. The Sex Offender Compliance Unit remains committed to protecting the citizens of Iredell County and ensuring offenders comply with the law."