ASHLAND, Ky. — Five individuals have been arrested following a series of child protection investigations conducted by the Ashland Police Department over the past 45 days.
According to a statement released by the department, investigators with the Special Operations Bureau worked alongside the Field Operations Division and Emergency Services Division on multiple, unrelated cases involving the alleged exploitation of children.
Police emphasized that each investigation was conducted separately and that the arrests are not connected to one another.
As a result of those investigations, the following individuals were arrested and charged:
Joseph Parker
Two counts of Promoting a Minor Under 16 in a Sexual Performance
Sex Offender Use of a Minor in a Film, Photo, or Video Without Consent
Disorderly Conduct, Second Degree
Dillyn Hunt
Tampering with Physical Evidence
Distribution of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Under 12
NeShawn Peppers Jr.
Possession of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18
Possession of Marijuana
Stanley Sharp
Ten counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Under 12
Ten counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18
Zachary Spence
Two counts of Distribution of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18
In its statement, the Ashland Police Department said the cases demonstrate the ongoing efforts of investigators who work to identify and hold accountable those involved in the production, possession, or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The investigations remain ongoing.
Editor's Note: All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.