A Hawesville man was arrested Tuesday following an undercover investigation into child sexual exploitation, according to Kentucky State Police. Documents show that drug charges were also filed after substances, including suspected methamphetamine, were discovered during the arrest.
According to a release from KSP, Carl Wayne Warner, 34, was taken into custody on March 24 at approximately 2:14 p.m. by the agency’s Electronic Crime Branch. Authorities said the arrest stemmed from an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation after detectives discovered Warner sharing images of child sexual exploitation online.
The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Hawesville. Police said electronic devices believed to have been used in the offenses were seized and will be examined at a KSP forensic laboratory. According to an arrest citation, Warner admitted to police that he was part of the conversation in which the images were shared. The investigation remains ongoing.
KSP said Warner is charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under age 12 and 10 counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under age 12. Each charge is a Class C felony, punishable by five to 10 years in prison.
According to KSP citations, troopers also located a plastic container in Warner’s hoodie at the time of his arrest. The citation says the container contained suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a prescription pill believed to be Adderall.
Records show Warner was additionally charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second-degree possession of a controlled substance (amphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a legend drug, and improper container for a controlled substance.
Warner was lodged in the Breckinridge County Detention Center.
The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes more than two dozen local, state, and federal agencies, assists in investigations involving online exploitation of minors, including forensic analysis, training, and victim support services.
