An extensive investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Vernal man on charges related to child pornography and its distribution. On May 7th, Vernal Police Department received a referral from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children regarding a social media user uploading materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor estimated to be about 11 years old. Tracking multiple IP addresses, it was eventually dialed in on a residence in Uintah County and identified the suspect as Justin Anthony. A warrant issued in June returned with content of 603 files of pornographic material. Of those, 64 files contained Child Sexual Abuse Material including both images and videos. The video from the original referral in May was found within the files. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, 43-year-old Justin McKay Anthony was arrested on July 25th following interviews in which he admitted to sending, receiving, and downloading Child Sexual Abuse Material. He was booked into Uintah County Jail and has been charged with 3 counts of 1st Degree Felony Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 10 counts of 2nd Degree Felony Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and 10 counts of 3rd Degree Felony Distribution of Pornography by an Adult. He is being held on no bail.
