Kentucky AG: Indictment Secured Against Child Predator on CSAM Charges

AG: Kentucky News Releases

Filed March 5th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the indictment of Justin Eller on 12 felony charges, including Possession and Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). The investigation was initiated by tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office, in conjunction with the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 21st Judicial Circuit, has secured a grand jury indictment against Justin Eller, 38, on 12 felony charges related to Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). The charges include possession and distribution, with alleged victims ranging from under 12 to 18 years old. The investigation was prompted by tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Eller was arrested by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

This action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and the prosecution of offenders. While the indictment represents allegations, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Kentucky Supreme Court's rule on trial publicity limits further public comment from the Attorney General's office. Regulated entities involved in child protection or data handling should be aware of the serious legal consequences associated with CSAM, including felony charges and potential imprisonment.

What to do next

Review internal policies and procedures related to child protection and reporting obligations.
Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal laws regarding CSAM.
Stay informed about law enforcement actions and prosecutorial trends in this area.

Penalties

Felony charges, subject to potential imprisonment and fines upon conviction.

Source document (simplified)

AG Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney McKenzie Secure Indictment Against Child Predator

Kevin Grout kevin.grout@ky.gov 502-545-0690 1024 Capital Center Drive Suite 200 Frankfort KY 40601 FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 5, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman and Ashton McKenzie, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 21 st Judicial Circuit, announced today action by the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office resulted in an indictment of a child predator.

A Montgomery County Grand Jury indicted Justin Eller, 38, on 12 felony charges including Possession and Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). Most of the videos involved children between the ages of 12-18, but at least one was a child under the age of 12 involved in sexual activity.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrested Eller, of Mt. Sterling, during a traffic stop following a DCI investigation. DCI opened the investigation in December after receiving tips generated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Click here for Eller’s photo.

The Kentucky Attorney General’s DCI was assisted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for the 21 st Judicial Circuit, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The Kentucky Supreme Court’s rule on trial publicity limits information the Office can provide publicly.

The charges in an indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.