WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio –** A Fayette County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Thursday, March 6, following an investigation into allegations of child pornography possession.
Justin Bennett, 34, of Washington Court House, was taken into custody and charged with nine counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, all fourth-degree felonies.
The investigation began on February 18 when the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force about alleged criminal activity at a residence in the county. The information identified Bennett’s home as the location of the suspected offenses.
Sheriff Vernon Stanforth immediately notified Fayette County Prosecutor Jess Weade and requested assistance from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the investigation. Upon learning of the allegations, Stanforth placed Bennett on administrative leave.
Madison County detectives later obtained a search warrant for Bennett’s residence, where electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis. On Thursday, after reviewing digital evidence, investigators determined there was probable cause for Bennett’s arrest. Warrants were issued and executed by the United States Marshal’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team.
Bennett remains in custody, awaiting his initial appearance in Washington Court House Municipal Court. He has resigned from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office effective immediately.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities determining whether additional charges will be filed.
