Pike County Man Arrested for Uploading Explicit Images of Minors Online, KSP Says
PIKE COUNTY, KENTUCKY — A 34-year-old man from Virgie has been arrested after an undercover investigation revealed he was allegedly uploading sexually explicit images of minors online, according to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Investigators with the KSP Electronic Crime Branch and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force took Charles Michael Hopkins into custody at approximately 6:12 p.m. on Thursday following a search of his home.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
Authorities began the investigation after tracing uploads of child sexual abuse material to Hopkins’ electronic accounts.
Lt. Mitchel Hazelett of the KSP Electronic Crime Branch said Hopkins was using electronic service providers — possibly including social media and email platforms — to distribute explicit content.
“When I say electronic service provider, it could be Facebook, AOL, Instagram, Gmail — any of those,” Hazelett explained. “I don’t know which specific one he was using, but those are the types.”
KSP obtained and executed a search warrant at Hopkins’ home, where they seized multiple electronic devices suspected of being used to store and upload the illegal material. Those devices have been sent to the KSP Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
20 Felony Counts Filed
Hopkins was charged with 20 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor over the age of 12 in a sexual performance, each a Class D felony punishable by one to five years in prison.
He is currently being held at the Pike County Detention Center on a $50,000 surety bond, according to the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Police Urge Parents to Monitor Online Activity
As part of the announcement, KSP troopers reminded parents of the growing risks associated with children’s online activity.
Trooper Matt Gayheart stressed the importance of vigilant parental monitoring and security settings to limit online exposure.
“As parents, we need to make sure that we’re monitoring our children’s online activity and what they’re doing on their social media platforms,” Gayheart said. “Make sure we’re utilizing security settings to limit what information the public is able to see and have access to.”
Authorities added that the internet remains a valuable tool but can quickly become dangerous when misused for illegal or exploitative purposes.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active as KSP continues to analyze the electronic evidence seized from Hopkins’ residence. Officials said additional charges could be filed if new evidence emerges.
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