Rick Lynn Messer, 59, of Marion, has been arrested and charged with nine felony counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
The charges were brought by Detective Aaron Vallini with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Messer is charged with:
Three counts of Felony Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Six counts of Felony Secret Peeping
The investigation began in April after detectives received a report concerning inappropriate contact between a female juvenile and Messer.
During the course of their investigation, detectives seized electronic devices and uncovered disturbing material. Authorities reported finding inappropriate photos of underage females taken by Messer, along with evidence of multiple internet searches and downloads of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Following his arrest, Rick Lynn Messer was issued a secured bond of $250,000.
Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.