Rowan County man charged with multiple counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

Patrick Ryan Bird

SALISBURY, N.C. — A Rowan County man faces multiple felony charges after investigators said he possessed underage pornography.

According to an arrest warrant filed in Rowan County, Salisbury police arrested Patrick Ryan Bird on Jan. 13, 2026.

The warrant charges Bird with seven counts of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Each charge alleges possession of visual material depicting underage minors engaged in sexual activity.

Court records show the Salisbury Police Department investigated the case. An officer with the department applied for the warrant. A magistrate issued the order for arrest on Jan. 13.

The charging documents list seven separate felony counts. The warrant states the offenses occurred in Rowan County. Investigators allege Bird knowingly possessed the material described in the charging forms.

Bond was set at $20,000, according to court records.

Bird is scheduled to answer the charges in Rowan County District Court. Court officials have not released additional details.