An Adair County man has been arrested after state police say a cybertip revealed he was sharing child sexual abuse material online.
Troopers arrested 25-year-old Austin B. Beard on Tuesday morning at his home on Claudy Kemp Road in Columbia. Investigators say they seized several electronic devices allegedly used to communicate with children.
According to police, the cybertip indicated Beard had multiple files containing child sexual abuse material. A search warrant led to the discovery of the material on his devices.
During an interview, Beard reportedly admitted to engaging in sexual conversations online with juveniles between the ages of 11 and 15.
Beard was charged with five counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (under 12), five counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (over 12 but under 18) and one count of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.
Kentucky State Police said more charges are pending after a complete forensic examination.
Beard remains jailed in Adair County. He was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday morning.
Source: WBKO
You must be logged in to post a comment.