Kentucky Man Arrested for Online Child Exploitation

34-year-old Carl Wayne Warner charged with distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:12pm

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Kentucky State Police arrested a 34-year-old Hancock County man named Carl Wayne Warner on charges related to child sexual abuse material. The arrest came after an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation discovered that Warner had shared images of child exploitation online. A search warrant executed at Warner's home resulted in the seizure of equipment used in the alleged crimes, and he was charged with 10 counts each of distribution and possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old.

Why it matters

Crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of minors online are a serious and growing problem that requires vigilant law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend perpetrators. This case highlights the work of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force in uncovering such criminal activity and bringing charges against individuals who engage in the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The details

As part of an undercover investigation, Kentucky State Police discovered that Carl Wayne Warner, a 34-year-old resident of Hawesville, Kentucky, had been sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. Authorities executed a search warrant at Warner's home on March 24, 2026, and seized equipment used in the alleged crimes. Warner was subsequently charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old, as well as 10 counts of possession of such material. He was then lodged in the Breckinridge County Detention Center.

  • The search warrant was executed at Warner's home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
  • Warner was arrested and charged on March 26, 2026.

The players

Carl Wayne Warner

A 34-year-old resident of Hawesville, Kentucky, who was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material.

Kentucky State Police

The law enforcement agency that conducted the undercover investigation and executed the search warrant that led to Warner's arrest.

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What’s next

Warner is currently being held in the Breckinridge County Detention Center, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities will continue to analyze the seized equipment and determine if there are any additional charges or victims related to this case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to combat the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material online, which can have devastating impacts on vulnerable young victims. It also highlights the need for continued public awareness and education around online safety and the reporting of suspected exploitation.