MOREHEAD, Ky. — An 18-year-old man was booked into the Rowan County Detention Center Saturday night on charges that include possession of material depicting a sexual performance by a minor.
According to information posted by the Rowan County Detention Center, John Kemp, 18, of Sioux, South Dakota, was booked at approximately 9:38 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The detention center lists the Kentucky State Police as the arresting agency.
Kemp is listed as facing the following charges:
Possess Matter Sex Performance by Minor O/12 <18 – 1st Offense
Resisting Arrest
The detention center lists an offense and arrest date of August 8 for the charge involving the minor. Both cases were shown as open at the time the detention center information was reviewed.
The Morehead Minute is reporting this arrest primarily because one of the allegations involves material depicting a minor. We generally exercise discretion when determining which routine arrests warrant individual news coverage, but allegations involving the sexual exploitation of children are considered a matter of significant public concern.
No additional information concerning the circumstances surrounding the arrest was included in the detention center information provided to The Morehead Minute.
Important Disclaimer
The Morehead Minute is reporting the charges exactly as they are listed by the Rowan County Detention Center. The Morehead Minute does not independently assign, interpret, or determine criminal charges. Any error or discrepancy in the charges, offense descriptions, or other booking information is the responsibility of the arresting officer, arresting agency, and/or Rowan County Detention Center and not The Morehead Minute.
An arrest and criminal charge are allegations only. Kemp is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Rowan County Detention Center booking information.
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