Somerset couple arrested in child abuse investigation

SOMERSET, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police have arrested a Somerset couple in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse materials. Christopher Sean Ethridge and Amy Sativia Ethridge were taken into custody Wednesday following an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

According to Kentucky State Police, the investigation began when authorities discovered Christopher Ethridge allegedly shared sexually explicit images of a young juvenile online. KSP’s Electronic Crimes Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in Somerset and seized equipment used to carry out the alleged crimes. The investigation is ongoing.

Christopher Ethridge faces numerous charges, including one count of first-degree sodomy with a victim under the age of 12, a Class A felony punishable by 20 to 50 years or life in prison. In addition, he is charged with several Class B felonies, including one count of sexual activity by a minor under the age of 16, nine counts of distribution of material depicting a minor under the age of 12 engaging in sexual activity, and one count of procuring or promoting the activity of a minor by electronic means. In addition, he is charged with 20 counts of possession of material depicting a minor under the age of 12 engaging in sexual activity, a Class C felony punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

Amy Ethridge is also charged with, among other things, sexual performance with a minor under the age of 16, promoting sexual performance with a minor under the age of 16, and 20 counts of possession of material depicting sexual performance with a minor under the age of 12. These Class B and C felonies can result in 10 to 20 years in prison for each Class B charge and five to 10 years for each Class C charge.

Both Christopher and Amy Ethridge are being held at the Pulaski County Detention Center.