A man already in custody at the Sharp County Detention Center has now been charged with 24 counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, authorities said.
On Thursday, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office announced that James C. Collins, 46, was charged following an investigation conducted with the Third Judicial District Drug Task Force. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
According to the Spring River Chronicle, which notes Collins is from Cave City but has a Drasco address, Collins has been jailed since July 18 on an investigative hold stemming from a separate incident in Cave City. Police there responded to a report of child abuse involving a juvenile under 16 who told a Department of Human Services representative that Collins had given her methamphetamine “to see if she liked it.” The child later tested positive for the drug.
During a search of Collins’ residence, officers found a syringe that tested positive for methamphetamine, leading to preliminary charges including introducing a controlled substance into the body of another, endangering the welfare of a minor, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to protecting children and ensuring those who exploit them are held accountable.
The total bond amount for Collins is set at $130,000.
Image: Sharp County Sheriff’s Office
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