MURRAY – Two weeks after a Murray man was sentenced to prison on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, another Murray resident appeared in Calloway District Court Tuesday to face 20 felony counts alleging he possessed and distributed such material.
Aiden Santos, 25, was arrested Thursday and charged with 10 counts of possession and 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12 following an undercover investigation by the Kentucky State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a KSP press release.
The possession charges are Class C felonies punishable by five to 10 years in prison. The distribution charges are Class B felonies punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.
The investigation began after an unidentified social media company reported an account to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that was allegedly in possession of and distributing CSAM, according to the uniform citation. Investigators identified Santos as the account holder.
On Feb. 26, KSP executed a search warrant at Santos’ home on Opportunity Drive, just south of Poor Farm Road. Investigators seized multiple electronic devices from the residence.
Santos appeared Tuesday via Zoom from the Calloway County Detention Center for his arraignment in Calloway District Court.
Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens set bond in the case at $10,000 cash. During the hearing, both the judge and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen commented that the bond amount should be higher, but Hutchens did not adjust the bond.
In addition to standard bond conditions, including abstaining from drugs and alcohol, avoiding new arrests and attending scheduled court appearances, Santos is prohibited from accessing the internet or possessing a device capable of doing so.
“There are a lot of things that access the internet now – phones, all kinds of stuff – you’re not allowed to (have those). Do you understand?” Hutchens asked Santos, who confirmed that he understood.
Hutchens appointed a public defender to represent Santos but noted he might not qualify if he were out of jail and working. Because of that, the judge said a representation fee could be imposed if Santos posts bond and is able to pay. Santos indicated that was unlikely.
The arraignment comes two weeks after Calloway Circuit Judge Andrea Moore sentenced another Murray man, Jace Penner, to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 20 counts of possessing CSAM involving minor over 12 years of age.
Santos is scheduled to return to court Wednesday, March 11, at 9 a.m. for a preliminary hearing, where the judge will determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to a grand jury.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story included an imprecise reference to the timing of a previous case in the lede. That wording has been removed.
