Coldiron man charged with child sexual abuse materials

COLDIRON, Ky. (March 14, 2025) — On March 13, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch apprehended Dustin S. Murphy, 33, on charges related to child sexual abuse materials.

 

Murphy’s arrest came after an undercover investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, initiated when authorities detected a suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. 

 

Following the discovery, officers conducted an interview at a residence in Coldiron, KY, and seized equipment used in the commission of the crimes. This evidence is now being examined at the KSP’s forensic lab, with the investigation still ongoing.

 

Murphy faces one count of promoting a minor in a sexual performance (a Class-B felony which can lead to ten to twenty years in prison) and one count of third-degree sodomy (a Class-D felony with a potential sentence of one to five years). He is currently held at the Harlan County Detention Center.

 

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force consists of over twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Established by the U.S. Department of Justice and managed by the Kentucky State Police, the ICAC Task Force aims to support law enforcement agencies in addressing issues of online child exploitation and sexual abuse material. Their initiatives include forensic analysis, investigative support, training, victim services, prevention efforts, and community education, all formulated in response to the growing number of children and teens on the internet and the rising threats posed by online predators.