Elizabethton, TN – A Stoney Creek man is facing serious criminal charges following a months-long investigation into the online distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators arrested Jay Ruiz, 21, of Price Road, on Thursday after executing a search warrant at his residence in the Stoney Creek community. Ruiz was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor after authorities say digital evidence linked him to illicit material uploaded online.
The investigation began in January after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip regarding the upload of suspected child sexual abuse material to a social media platform. Investigators reviewed records provided by the platform, including upload timestamps and account information, which allegedly led them to identify Ruiz as the suspect.
On Thursday morning, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence with assistance from K9 Daisy, an electronic storage detection dog trained to locate hidden digital media. During the search, investigators recovered multiple electronic storage devices that will be submitted for forensic examination, officials said.
Ruiz was taken into custody and transported to the Carter County Detention Center, where he remains held on a $10,000 bond. Authorities say the investigation remains active and additional charges may be filed pending further analysis of the seized devices.
“I am proud of the work of my officers in diligently pursuing investigations into those who target the most vulnerable in our community, our children,” Sheriff Mike Fraley said in a statement. “This investigation also demonstrates what an important asset K9 Daisy is for our agency.”
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Carter County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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