FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division announced the arrest of a Rocky Mount man following an investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The investigation was prompted by an Internet Crimes Against Children tip received recently.

Authorities launched an inquiry, secured search warrants, and executed them.

Gustavo Macias-Velazquez, 25, was identified as the individual involved and he was taken into custody.

Velazquez faces multiple charges, including 21 felony counts of purchase, possession, and distribution of child pornography.

Additionally, he is charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of an animal, one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

He is currently being held without bond pending court proceedings.

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to protecting the safety of children in our community,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Facebook post on June 1.

No further details were released regarding the case.

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