DENNISTON, Ky. – An 18-year-old Menifee County man was arrested Thursday in connection with an undercover investigation into alleged online child sexual exploitation.
According to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch, Johnny Ray Shoopman was taken into custody around 12:10 p.m. on Aug. 7 after investigators allegedly discovered him sharing illicit material online. The arrest followed a probe by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Troopers said a search warrant was executed at a Denniston residence the same day, resulting in the seizure of electronic equipment believed to have been used in the alleged crimes. The items were transported to KSP’s forensic laboratory for analysis. Authorities report that the investigation remains active.
Shoopman is charged with three counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance, each a Class-D felony punishable by one to five years in prison; one count of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, a Class-C felony carrying five to ten years; and one count of promoting a minor under 16 in a sexual performance, a Class-B felony carrying a potential sentence of ten to twenty years. He is lodged at the Powell County Detention Center.
The Kentucky ICAC Task Force, made up of more than 26 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, works to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. Officials note that the initiative was developed to address the rise in online crimes targeting minors.
Investigators are urging the public to report suspected online exploitation through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.missingkids.org.
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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