Johnston County Firefighter Joshua Womack Charged in Child Sex Case

Joshua Hunter Womack, a 36‑year‑old firefighter from Smithfield, North Carolina, was arrested on July 24 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. He faces three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and two counts of first‑degree sexual exploitation of a minor, based on forensic evidence from his cell phone that matched the victim’s testimony.

Womack had been hired as a full‑time, probationary firefighter by the Wilson’s Mills Fire Department on July 13, after completing a background check that revealed no disqualifying history. Following the arrest, the department terminated his employment under its zero‑tolerance policy, as confirmed by Fire Chief Jason Moore.

At his first court appearance on July 27, a judge set his bond at $1 million secured. He remains detained at the Johnston County Detention Center pending further proceedings.