Somerset couple arrested in child sexual abuse material investigation

SOMERSET, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police have arrested a Somerset couple in connection with a child sexual abuse material investigation. Christopher Sean Ethridge and Amy Sativia Ethridge were taken into custody Wednesday, following an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

According to Kentucky State Police, the investigation began when authorities discovered that Christopher Ethridge had allegedly been sharing sexually explicit images of a young juvenile online. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch executed a search warrant at a residence in Somerset, seizing equipment used to facilitate the alleged crimes. The investigation remains ongoing.

Christopher Ethridge faces numerous charges, including one count of Sodomy 1st Degree with a victim under the age of 12, a Class-A felony punishable by 20 to 50 years or life in prison. He is also charged with several Class-B felonies, including one count of using a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance, nine counts of distributing material portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance, and one count of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. In addition, he faces 20 counts of possession of material portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance, a Class-C felony punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

Amy Ethridge is also facing charges, including one count of using a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance, one count of promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance, and 20 counts of possession of material portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance. These Class-B and Class-C felonies could result in 10 to 20 years in prison for each Class-B charge and five to 10 years for each Class-C charge.

Both Christopher and Amy Ethridge are being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center.