On November
4, 2015, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch, assisted by
Post--9 Pikeville, arrested Ryan P. Cooper, 37, for charges related to
promoting a minor under 16 in a sex performance and distribution of matter
portraying a sexual performance by a minor.
Mr. Cooper
was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children
investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after a
multi-state investigation. Detectives discovered the suspect sharing images of
child sexual exploitation online. The images included a nude infant.
The
investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at Mr. Cooper's
residence. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s
forensic laboratory for examination and the investigation is ongoing. Mr.
Cooper is currently charged with two counts of promoting a minor under sixteen
in a sex performance and two counts of distribution of matter portraying a
sexual performance by a minor.
Mr. Cooper was arrested and lodged in the Big
Sandy Regional Detention Center.
