SOMERSET, Ky. (May 2, 2018) — On May 1, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested John C. Hess Jr., 34, and Donnie L. Edwards, Jr., 36, on charges related to possession of matter portraying a sex performance by a minor.
Hess and Edwards were arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspects sharing images of child sexual exploitation online.
The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Somerset on May 1, 2018. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.
Hess and Edwards are each currently charged with 20 counts of possession of matter portraying a sex performance by a minor. Each charge is a Class-D felony punishable by one to five years in prison.