KSP PRESS RELEASE:
VIRGIE, Ky. (September 29, 2023) — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch located and arrested Gary Don Hampton, 46, on charges related to a child sexual abuse material investigation.
Hampton was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect using social media to engage in sexual conduct and communicating with whom he thought was a juvenile online.
The investigation resulted in executing a search warrant at a residence in Virgie on September 28, 2023. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is still ongoing.
Hampton is currently charged with five counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance and 15 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor over the age of 12 in a sexual performance. Possessing or viewing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 is a Class-C felony punishable by five to ten years in prison and possessing matter portraying a minor the age of 12 or older is a Class-D felony punishable by one to five years in prison. Hampton was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.
