MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office says it arrested a man Monday for possession of child sex abuse materials after receiving a tip from a “predator poacher” organization.
Authorities said John Canaan Emmons, 23, was taken into custody and charged with four counts of possession of child pornography following an investigation that began with the tip.
MCSO said on April 21, investigators were contacted by members of the organization regarding a possible case involving online enticement of a child.
The sheriff’s office said the group had been conducting an online sting operation when they encountered a suspect who they believed was communicating inappropriately with an individual the group had portrayed as an 11-year-old.
According to MCSO, deputies responded and made contact with the group members, who provided evidence that Emmons had sent explicit photographs during the online exchange.
“Our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detective was immediately notified and responded to the scene,” The sheriff’s office said. “After speaking with the Predator Poacher organization, detectives reviewed the information obtained during their operation and determined that it potentially supported an existing ICAC investigation already underway involving Emmons.”
MCSO said investigators then made contact with Emmons and, during the interview, obtained his consent to search his mobile device. The sheriff’s office said a forensic analysis found child sex abuse material on the phone.
Emmons is currently being held in the Madison County Jail on a $40,000 bond.
MCSO said the investigation is still active and additional charges may be forthcoming in the case.
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