The following was posted on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page in reference to the arrest of Trent Smith on July 7, 2021.
“On January 20, 2021, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) received a credible cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in reference to files that had been transmitted via Instagram by an unidentified user.
Through investigative techniques the suspect was identified as Trent Smith. It was learned he was residing at a residence in western Jackson County.
In early July a search warrant was signed for the suspect’s residence. On July 7, 2021 the search warrant was executed. Trent Smith was at home at the time of the search warrant and taken into custody without incident. During the search, several pieces of evidence were located and secured.
As the investigation continued, JCSO learned Trent Smith was in possession of additional child pornographic images depicting sex acts on his personal mobile device. Additionally, it was learned these images were also being transmitted via Kik Messenger.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Trent Smith was arrested and charged with Transmission of Child Pornography by Electronic Devices and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Device.
Sheriff Edenfield and the men and women of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of our law enforcement partners. With their dedication and cooperation, the citizens of Jackson County are able to enjoy a safer community. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work tirelessly in order to bring those who prey on children to justice.”
