Baxter, Ky. (October 17, 2019) — On October 16, 2019, the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested Steven L. Ryan, 26, on charges related to promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance in the 1st degree.
Ryan was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect communicating and exchanging sexual explicit images with a juvenile female.
The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Baxter on October 16, 2019. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.
Ryan is currently charged with:
- One count of promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance in the 1st degree
- One count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor in the 1st degree
- One count of distribution of obscene matter to a minor in the 1st degree.
Promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance 1st degree is a Class B-Felony and is punishable by 10 to 15 years in prison.
Prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor in the 1st degree and distribution of obscene matter to a minor in the 1st degree are Class D-Felonies punishable by one to five years in prison.
Ryan was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.
Photo courtesy of the Harlan County Detention Center.
