A Gainesville man is in jail facing more than a dozen charges related to the alleged possession and distribution of child pornography.
Hall County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson B.J. Williams said Thursday that William Porter Martin, age 25, was arrested Wednesday after a search at his home on Harmony Church Road.
"Mr. Martin had in his possession six videos and then one photo, all of young girls engaged in sexually explicit poses or activities," Williams said. "He had shared the videos on a social media app."
Williams said the illegal activity by Martin allegedly occurred in July of 2023, but the sheriff's office first received a cybertip about it in June of this year. The investigation by the sheriff's office also reportedly included a search of Martin's workplace.
"At the time that Mr. Martin was arrested, investigators were able to seize several electronic devices from his home and also from his person," Williams said. "Our special investigations unit is in the process of going through everything on those electronic devices and it's certainly possible that more charges could be filed as the investigation continues."
Williams said there is no evidence that the victims in the photo and videos that were recovered were from the local area.
Martin faces seven charges each of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. He remained in the Hall County Jail without bond as of Thursday afternoon.
