Local man charged with possession of child pornography after arrest uncovers illicit messages with Kentucky Minor

UPDATE:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A 27-year-old Madison County man faces multiple felony charges after an attempt to evade police led investigators to a cache of messages and sexually illicit photos from an underage girl in another state.

27-year-old Raymond Gruce has been charged with four felony counts of possession of sexually exploitative material, along with felony attempting to elude a police officer and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation into Gruce began on February 26, when he allegedly fled from a patrol deputy, leading to a short car chase. While executing a search warrant on Gruce’s phone in relation to that incident, a Madison County Sheriff's Deputy discovered several photos containing illicit content that prompted a deeper investigation.

After obtaining a second search warrant for the Sexually Exploitative Material, investigators uncovered a gallery of Snapchat photos and videos featuring a partially or completely nude underage girl.

Investigators were able to track the victim’s identity through a message thread with an account titled "My Queen." Those messages, which included discussions involving a possible pregnancy scare, linked the girl identified as "Heather" to an email address associated with a school in Nelson County, Kentucky.

Madison County investigators coordinated with regional law enforcement to confirm the girl’s identity. A Nelson County Sheriff's Deputy positively identified the victim as a 17-year-old student currently attending high school in Kentucky.

Local law enforcement continued to coordinate with the Bardstown Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to pursue charges against Gruce.

"This case shows the dedication law enforcement has to protecting children, no matter how near or far they are," the MCSO stated in a news release.

Gruce was already being held at the Madison County Jail on unrelated charges at the time the new evidence was discovered. According to court documents, he refused further questioning by deputies and requested an attorney.

While the initial charges have been filed and a $100,000 bond has been set, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office says that the investigation remains ongoing.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.