Man arrested in child sexual exploitation case

FLATWOODS, Ky. (WTVQ) – An undercover investigation led to the arrest of a Greenup County man on charges related to child sexual abuse material, according to Kentucky State Police.

The KSP Electronic Crime Branch arrested 48-year old Anthony Lee Niece after investigators say they discovered he was sharing photos and communicating with an underage boy online.

KSP searched Niece’s home in Flatwoods on Tuesday and seized equipment investigators say was used to facilitate the crime.  The equipment was taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination.  The investigation is ongoing.

State Police say Niece was charged with one count of possessing or viewing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (Class D felony), one count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor (Class D felony), one count of promoting a minor under sixteen in a sexual performance (Class B felony), one count of sexual abuse 1st degree (Class D felony), and one count of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (Class D felony).

Niece was taken to the Greenup County Detention Center.