Calloway County man charged with 20 child sexual exploitation offenses

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MURRAY, Ky., (KBSI) — A Calloway County man has been arrested on child sexual exploitation charges following an undercover investigation, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Aiden Luke Santos, 25, was arrested around 6:17 p.m. Feb. 26 by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.

Authorities said the investigation began after detectives identified a suspect allegedly sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. A search warrant was executed at a residence in Murray on Feb. 26, and electronic equipment believed to have been used in the alleged offenses was seized for forensic examination. The investigation remains ongoing.

Santos is charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old and 10 counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old. The charges are Class C felonies, each punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

Santos was lodged in the Calloway County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force includes more than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and is coordinated by the Kentucky State Police. The task force focuses on investigating cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material cases.

Santos is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.