JONESBORO, Ark. — The Internet Crimes Against Children Division of the Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) made an arrest early this morning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the uploading of images depicting child exploitation to social media.
Joseph Pennington, a 32-year-old of Jonesboro, was taken into custody and booked into the Craighead County Detention Center on July 14. He is facing charges related to child exploitation offenses. Jail records show he was booked on a charge of Distribute, possess, view matter depicting sexual conduct involving a child.
By itself, this charge is a class “C” felony on the first offense and a class “B” felony on subsequent offenses. A class “C” felony charges can result in three to 10 years in prison under the Arkansas criminal code. A defendant can also receive fines of up to $10,000. A class “B” felony carries a possible sentence of five to 20 years, plus a fine of up to $15,000.
A temporary bond of $250,000 cash surety has been set for Pennington, and he is scheduled to appear before a judge for his Probable Cause hearing on Monday.
The arrest comes as a result of diligent efforts by the JPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Division to investigate and address crimes involving the exploitation of children. The division is committed to protecting the well-being of children in the community and working tirelessly to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
Photo Courtesy the Jonesboro Police Department
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