BATESVILLE, Ark. — A Batesville resident has been arrested and charged with two felony counts related to child exploitation material, according to Independence County Circuit Court records.
Christopher Daniel Otero, 33, was charged on November 27 and is also facing additional penalties as a habitual offender.
The investigation began when the FBI alerted the Independence County Sheriff’s Department about an operation involving an undercover agent. According to court documents, the agent encountered a suspect in an online chat room known for sharing illegal content involving minors.
The suspect allegedly sent the undercover agent explicit photos of a juvenile and claimed to have engaged in inappropriate activity with a pre-teen.
Federal agents traced the suspect’s IP address to a residence in Independence County. A search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of electronic devices that may contain further evidence.
Otero is currently in custody at the Independence County Jail, with bond set at $100,000. Investigators are continuing their examination of the seized materials as part of the ongoing case.
