VINE GROVE, Ky. (LEX 18) — On Tuesday, Kentucky State Police arrested a man on charges that are related to child sexual exploitation.
Clifford J. Smith, 33, was arrested after an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children Investigation.
The KSP Electronic Crime Branch started the investigation after finding Smith sharing files of child sexual exploitation online.
Police handed over a search warrant at a residence in Vine Grove, Kentucky after the investigation.
Police took the equipment that was allegedly used to facilitate the crime and was taken to a forensic lab for testing.
Smith is currently charged with the following:
- Three counts of promoting a sexual performance by a minor under 18-years-old
- 13 counts of distribution off matter portraying sexual performance by a minor - First offense
- 20 counts of possession of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor - First offense
Each count of promoting a sexual performance by a minor is a Class-C felony and is punishable by five to ten years in prison.
Each count of distribution and possession is a Class-D felony and is punishable by one to five years in prison.
Smith was taken to the Hardin County Detention Center.
