On Wednesday March 3, 2021 detectives served a search warrant at the Roadway Inn in Lake City in relation to a registered sex offender who was in possession of child pornography. Paul Futch (48) of Lake City, was subsequently arrested.
The “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children” (NCMEC) alerted CCSO last April about possible child pornography being used on electronic devices. Detectives assigned to the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force immediately launched an extensive investigation. Futch, a known registered sex offender, was identified as a suspect. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that Futch knowingly failed to register certain information required by law. Additionally, detectives learned Futch was also in possession of child pornography.
Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “Investigations involving the exploitation of children are very difficult. I am proud of our dedicated employees who work diligently to keep our children and community safe.”
When Futch was interviewed by detectives, he confessed to the various crimes associated with this incident. He was charged with 5 counts of sex offender registration violations, 3 counts of possessing child pornography, and 3 counts of transmitting child pornography. Additional charges may also be pending. He is being held with no bond at the Columbia County Detention Facility.
