Columbia, KY – A 25-year-old Adair County man was arrested Tuesday following an undercover investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation activity.
According to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch, Austin Beard was taken into custody around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday after investigators said they discovered him allegedly sharing images of child sexual abuse material online. Authorities executed a search warrant at a Columbia residence, seizing electronic equipment that was sent to the KSP forensic laboratory for review.
Beard is facing multiple charges, including five counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 18, five counts of possession of matter portraying a minor under 12, and one count of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. The charges range from Class D felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison, to Class C felonies, carrying a penalty of five to 10 years. He is currently lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.
According to KSP, the investigation was carried out by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which partners with more than two dozen local, state and federal agencies. The task force was created to combat cyber enticement and exploitation cases and provides investigative, forensic, and educational resources to communities.
Officials emphasized that the ICAC program was developed to address the growing online risks to children and the rising presence of predators seeking unsupervised contact with minors. The investigation into Beard remains ongoing.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
