MADISON COUNTY, Ala. — A 23-year-old man was arrested Monday by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material, following a tip from a private online sting group known as a “predator poacher” organization.
Authorities identified the suspect as John Canaan Emmons, who now faces four counts of possession of child pornography. The arrest was made after members of the group contacted investigators on April 21, reporting that Emmons had been communicating inappropriately with someone they portrayed online as an 11-year-old child.
During the sting, the group claimed Emmons had sent explicit images, prompting immediate response from MCSO. Upon reviewing the evidence provided by the group, detectives confirmed it aligned with an existing Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation already involving Emmons.
Detectives then interviewed Emmons, who consented to a search of his mobile device. A forensic analysis revealed child sex abuse material stored on the phone.
Emmons was taken into custody and booked into the Madison County Jail, where he remains held on a $40,000 bond.
Officials stated the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed as the case develops.
