CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

LOUISA — A Lawrence man is behind bars facing 63 felony counts that stem from allegations of sex crimes involving minors and an animal, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Police arrested Christopher Alan Price, 26, of Louisa, March 12 following an undercover investigation by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch.

Charges against Price include one count of first-degree sodomy, 25 counts of promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance, 20 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance, eight counts of distributing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance and nine counts of sexual crimes committed against an animal.

According to the KSP, the investigation began after investigators discovered Price distributing sexually explicit images of juveniles online.

Investigators executed a search warrant March 12 at a residence in Louisa, where they seized electronic equipment allegedly used in the crimes. They sent the devices to the state police forensic laboratory for examination.

Price is currently in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Under Kentucky law, first-degree sodomy and promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance are Class B felonies punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. Possessing and distributing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance is a Class C felony punishable by five to 10 years. Sexual crime against an animal is a Class D felony punishable by one to five years.

The investigation is ongoing.

The KSP Electronic Crime Branch is part of the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.