NEELYVILLE — A Neelyville man was arrested Wednesday, concluding an investigation that revealed he was downloading child pornography.
Michael McDaniel, 45, of Neelyville, was arrested ofter investigators interviewed him about his internet activity. He is charged with possession of child pornography, second subsequent offense.
Investigators had previously been conducting an online investigation of a BitTorrent website known as a network for sex offenders to share child pornography. During their investigation, an IP address that is registered in Neelyville was found to have downloaded a graphic video involving two children.
According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators made contact with the man who had that IP address in his home. The man informed officers that he lived alone, but allowed his neighbor “Mike” to access his internet. The man couldn’t remember Mike’s last name.
Investigators then made contact with McDaniel, who consented to a search of his vehicle and apartment. According to the affidavit, McDaniel admitted to downloading child pornography on a phone he threw away, and said the activity took place at his residence in Neelyville. He also admitted to using a peer-to-peer file-sharing platform, which corroborated information obtained through the investigation. McDaniel also informed investigators he had used his neighbor’s internet to download child pornography.
McDaniel is currently being held without bond at the Butler County jail.