The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Kentucky influencer in the DIY and crafting community is facing several charges after being accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material through a popular online app.
As stated on their website, “Kik is an iOS and Android app that lets you connect with friends and groups from all around the world through messaging, chatting, and live streaming.” According to reports, a 39-year-old man who uses the online handle of “Mr. Crafty Pants” on his YouTube channel and has a following of approximately 600,000, was reportedly believed to have an active account on the Kik app.
At the beginning of August, the authorities received information from someone who believed the man was using the Kik account, which was determined to be his based on two selfie pictures associated with it, to send sexually explicit content depicting children. When they investigated the claims, they allegedly found multiple occasions where the man sent pictures of children under 12 years old, and several more with youngsters over the age of 12.
On October 22, the suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. He is facing multiple preliminary charges, including fifteen counts of distributing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor over age 12 but under age 18, ten counts of distributing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12, three counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12, and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor over age 12 but under age 18 – first offense. At the time this was written, he was being held in lieu of a $100,000 cash bond. If he is released from custody, a judge ordered that he is not allowed to use the internet or have any contact with children.
According to reports, the suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a sex offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.