A Hopkinsville man was charged after an investigation by Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch into images of child sexual exploitation being shared online Thursday.
Kentucky State Police say 39-year-old James E. West II was discovered sharing images of child sexual exploitation online leading law enforcement to get a search warrant for his home.
The equipment used in the crime was seized and taken to a forensic laboratory for examination.
West was arrested and charged with a hundred counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years of age, fifty counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years of age, and fifty counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance.
Police say these charges are class-c felonies punishable by five to ten years in prison if he is convicted.
