By Emily Burton
Register News Writer
BEREA —
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Berea man was arrested and charged Thursday with 95 counts of possession of child pornography.
Ricky L. Fansler, 42, was arrested by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Fansler was indicted on the charges Wednesday by a Madison Grand Jury.
Between Dec. 1, 2009, and March 16, Fansler allegedly possessed matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, including nine videos purporting to show child, teen and pre-teen sex, child and pre-teen rape, incest and children engaged in various sex acts.
The request for an indictment was sent to the grand jury by Attorney General Jack Conways’ office, and was investigated by his office and the Attorney General’s cybercrimes unit, said Shelley Johnson, spokesperson for Conway’s office.
The Attorney General’s office initiated the investigation in Dec. 2009, she said.
In March, a search warrant was issued for Fansler’s computer by the Attorney General’s office.
Johnson said the sheriff’s office assisted in the investigation.
“We use special software — peer-to-peer software — that allows us to identify pornographic images that are being shared and traded and we can investigate from there,” she said.
Fansler also is accused of possessing 86 photographs showing children in various pornographic situations.
All of the charges are Class D felonies, punishable by a maximum of five years imprisonment on each charge. However, sentencing guidelines cap the amount of time Fansler could receive if convicted at 20 years.
He is being held in the Madison County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.
Emily Burton may be reached at eburton@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. Follow Emily on Twitter at, RR_EBurton@twitter.com
