Man at center of hazardous device case at Garner church charged with sexually exploiting minor

The man charged with a suspicious device being placed in a church parking lot now faces child sex offenses.

2026-03-20

On Feb. 27, Garner police found a suspicious device in the parking lot of The Capital Church along Highway 70. Days later, Christopher McMullen was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, second-degree trespassing and littering.

This week, detectives found McMullen to possess child sexual abuse material after a comprehensive search through evidence. He was charged with 15 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Police described the object in the parking lot as a hazardous device, but did not confirm any other details. It was safely destroyed with the help of the Raleigh Police Department Hazardous Device Unit.

Investigators have found no evidence suggesting that Capitol Church was targeted. Police do not believe the act was directed at the congregation.

Garner police are still investigating the circumstances. They say there was and is no threat to the public.