A Louisa man faces nine felony charges after Kentucky State Police investigators say they discovered someone uploading sexually explicit images of children to the internet.
The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested Ricky Henry, 39, at approximately 5 p.m. on June 25 following an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.
According to KSP, the investigation began after detectives discovered a suspect uploading child sexual abuse material involving juveniles online.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a Louisa residence on June 25. Police seized electronic equipment they believe was used to facilitate the alleged crimes.
The equipment was taken to the Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory for a more detailed examination.
KSP said the investigation remains active.
Nine Felony Charges
Henry is currently charged with nine counts of possessing material portraying a child under the age of 12 in a sexual performance.
Each charge is a Class C felony under Kentucky law and carries a possible sentence of five to 10 years in prison.
Henry was lodged in the Big Sandy Detention Center.
Additional charges could be filed as investigators continue examining the seized equipment and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse Material?
Law enforcement agencies now commonly use the term child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, instead of child pornography.
The term reflects that the images and videos are evidence of the sexual abuse and exploitation of real children.
Possessing, sharing, downloading, or uploading this material contributes to the continued victimization of the children shown in it. Each time an image is shared, the abuse can continue to follow the victim online.
Investigators Target Online Crimes Against Children
The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is made up of more than 26 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The task force was created by the United States Department of Justice and is administered in Kentucky by the Kentucky State Police.
Its mission is to help law enforcement agencies investigate online crimes against children, including:
- Child sexual abuse material
- Adults attempting to sexually entice children online
- Predators seeking unsupervised contact with minors
- Other forms of online child exploitation
The task force also provides forensic support, officer training, technical assistance, victim services, prevention programs, and community education.
The program was developed in response to the growing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the spread of child sexual abuse material, and the increased online activity of predators searching for access to underage victims.
The charges against Henry are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.