March 5, 2024
An Elk City man has been charged in Beckham County with child sexual abuse, 1st degree rape, and sexual exploitation after an investigation revealed the defendant allegedly had inappropriate pictures of one victim, and had inappropriately touched another.
According to an article provided by the Midland Reporter-Telegram, 35-year-old Jonathon Chase Russell was arrested in Midland, Texas last month by FBI authorities after they served a search warrant on Russell for evidence about the distribution of child pornography.
It was reported that Russell was interviewed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division and two special agents with the FBI and had allegedly admitted that he took inappropriate photographs of a 5-year-old female. Russell was arrested February 9 on charges of distribution of child pornography, and is being held without bail.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by Paragon Communications showed that Elk City Police were made aware of the case the next day and became involved into the investigation.
The affidavit stated that during forensics interviews with the 5-year-old and a 7-year-old female, the 7-year-old stated that Russell had allegedly touched her inappropriately.
Police were able to obtain the images from the FBI and the defendants wife was able to identify both the 5-year-old victim and Russell in the photos.
It was also determined that the photos were taken inside their Elk City home.
The affidavit did say that the investigation remains open and if more victims are located and found, there could be additional charges levied against Russell.
A court date in Beckham County is pending.
As of press time, Russell is still behind bars in Texas.
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