Ashland man arraigned on child porn charges

Feb. 15—CATLETTSBURG — A 43-year-old man made his initial appearance in Boyd County Circuit Court after investigators seized a cell phone with images of young boys engaged in sexual performances.

According to court records, detectives arrested Walter Sherman Thomas, of Ashland, after an online forum led them near the 3000 block of Central Avenue and Thomas's address.

In his arrest citation, police stated that Thomas admitted to having multiple images of "nude boys" estimated to be between 10-14 years old.

Police said Thomas also admitted to distributing the content to upwards of 20 people online.

Thomas was consequently indicted by a Boyd County grand jury on three counts of possessing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12 and four counts of distributing the matter.

On Thursday, Thomas appeared virtually from the Boyd County Jail, where he was booked on Jan. 31.

The Department of Public Advocacy was appointed to Thomas as it was determined he qualified in district court.

Public defender Whitney Davis waived formal arraignment, meaning Thomas's charges were not read aloud to the courtroom or to the several inmates seated behind him on screen. Davis entered a not-guilty plea to all counts on Thomas's behalf.

Thomas will reappear for a pre-trial conference on March 14.

(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com