36-year-old Kentucky man arrested on child exploitation charges involving minor under 12

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Investigators with the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested a 36-year-old man who allegedly distributed images of a child under 12 years old being sexually exploited online.

Joseph Adam Mattingly faces 10 felony charges.

Mattingly was arrested after an undercover operation by the Internet Crimes Against Children division of the KSP Electronic Crime Branch. The investigation started after authorities allegedly discovered Mattingly sharing explicit content involving minors on online platforms.

As a result of the investigation, Mattingly was interviewed and subsequently arrested on Dec. 12. Detectives also seized electronic equipment and took it to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination.

The investigation is ongoing.

Mattingly is charged with ten counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old. If convicted he faces five to ten years in prison on each charge.

Mattingly is in custody at the Marion County Detention Center.