Kentucky State Police charges Rowan County couple with sexual exploitation of children

MULTI-HEAD – On May 23, 2024, at approximately 2:22 p.m., the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested John David Elam, 43, and Myra Patrice Elam, 43, on charges related to an investigation into child sexual abuse materials.

The Elams were tracked down, interrogated and arrested as part of an undercover investigation into Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). The KSP’s Electronic Crimes Unit launched the investigation after discovering that the suspects had uploaded sexually explicit videos of minors on a social media account.

The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on the couple and their Morehead residence on May 23, 2024. The equipment used to commit the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic lab for examination. The investigation is ongoing.

John and Myra Elam were both charged with 13 counts of Possession of Material Depicting a Minor Under the Age of 12 in a Sexual Performance, as well as two counts of Possession of Material Depicting a Minor Over the Age of 12 but Under the Age of 18 in a Sexual Performance. The count of Possession of Material Depicting a Minor Over the Age of 12 in a Sexual Performance is a Class C felony punishable by five to 10 years in prison. The count of Possession of Material Depicting a Minor Over the Age of 12 but Under the Age of 18 in a Sexual Performance is a Class D felony punishable by one to five years in prison. John David Elam was also charged with one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. This charge is also a Class D felony punishable by one to five years in prison. John and Myra Elam were lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than 26 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Created by the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by the Kentucky State Police, the mission of the ICAC Task Force is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to investigations involving cyber lure and child sexual abuse material. This assistance includes forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim assistance, prevention, and public education. The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teens using the Internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the increased online activity of sex offenders seeking unsupervised contact with underage victims.