The Limestone County Sheriff's Office arrested James Mark Eddy, of Loretto, Tenn., on Tuesday following an undercover investigation conducted by their special operations unit.
Eddy contacted investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division via social media, who initiated a conversation with an individual he believed to be a minor male. The account, however, was operated by specially trained investigators. During the exchange, Eddy allegedly transmitted obscene and sexually explicit material and solicited child sexual abuse material.
Based on the evidence collected during the online communication, investigators obtained warrants for transmitting obscene material to a child by computer and electronic solicitation of a child.
Eddy, 54, was taken into custody without incident in Athens on Monday. Eddy is currently being held at the Limestone County Detention Facility. A judge will determine bond at a later date.
Investigators believe, based on additional evidence recovered at the time of arrest, that Eddy may have been communicating with multiple minors across the country. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to identify additional victims.
“This arrest is yet another reminder of the very real dangers that exist online and the importance of proactive law enforcement,” said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. “Our Special Operations Investigators work tirelessly, often through the night, to keep this community safe. We are dedicated to protecting children and holding predators accountable, no matter where they are. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure the safety of our community.”
Anyone with information about this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Limestone County Sheriff's Office. Tips can be submitted anonymously by phone, through the official LCSO app, or via the department website.
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