PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould man has been arrested on accusations of distributing child sexual abuse material through the messaging app Kik, according to an affidavit filed in Greene County.
Jeremy W. Harlan faces two Class C felony charges under Arkansas Code 5-27-304 and 5-27-602, which concern the possession or distribution of visual or print material depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child. The affidavit, signed by Detective Sgt. Jacob L. Higdon of the Paragould Police Department on October 15, alleges that Harlan shared a video containing such content.
The investigation began on September 29, when Paragould police received a CyberTipline report from the Internet Crimes Against Children unit of the Arkansas State Police. The report, initially filed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, alleged that a Kik account shared a video in January depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child. Investigators were provided with the video and additional account information, according to Higdon.
The email, username, and IP address tied to the account were tracked to Harlan, with confirmation obtained through Kik, Paragould Municipal Utilities, and other investigative tools, the affidavit states.
Circuit Judge Curtis Hitt determined there was probable cause for Harlan's arrest and issued an arrest warrant. Harlan's bond was set at $500,000 surety. As part of the release conditions, the judge ordered that Harlan must wear an ankle monitor and is prohibited from contacting any minors, accessing the internet, or possessing electronic devices with internet capabilities.
Harlan remains incarcerated as of the latest available information.
All individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.