The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Evansville man on multiple counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
According to a press release, the Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on Thursday, June 13, 2019 after a citizen reported seeing what was believed to be images and video of child pornography on the cell phone of 47-year-old William Ray Martin. Search warrants were obtained for the phone, electronic devices, and Martin’s residence on Old Boonville Highway. Martin was taken into custody as he arrived home from work. Deputies observed that Martin appeared to be watching a video of unknown type on his phone as he pulled into his residence.
Martin declined to speak with Sheriff’s Office detectives and asked for a lawyer. A cursory review of his cell phone revealed multiple pornographic images and videos. These images and videos depicted adult men and women engaged in sexual acts with children, many appearing to be well under the age of twelve and included infants. An in-depth forensic examination of his phone and other items seized during the execution of the search warrant is being conducted. Given the large amount of data present, it is expected that considerable time will be needed to thoroughly examine all potential evidence.
While the suspected child pornography is not suspected of being produced locally, and there is no evidence at this time that Martin interacted personally with the children in the videos, further review is necessary. Mr. Martin currently faces 20 counts of Possession of Child Pornography with Aggravating Factors as a Level 5 Felony; however, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
