Two from Vine Grove arrested for allegedly sharing child pornography

A Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation landed two Vine Grove men in jail Thursday on charges related to child sexual abuse material.

Nicholas Ray Renfro is charged with 10 counts of Class C Felony Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor in a Sexual Performance Under 12 Years Old and 10 counts of Class C Felony Distribution of Matter Portraying a Minor in a Sexual Performance Under 12 Years Old. Gary Eugene Middleton II is charged with 10 counts of Class C Felony Distribution of Matter Portraying a Minor in a Sexual Performance Under 12 Years Old.

According to the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch, Renfro was arrested at approximately 3:30 p.m. on May 21. The KSP began an undercover investigation after discovering Renfro sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. A search warrant was served at a Vine Grove residence and equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to the KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination.

The KSP says Middleton was taken into custody at approximately 10 p.m. on May 21 as a result of an undercover investigation. A search warrant was served at a residence in Vine Grove. Equipment was seized and taken to the KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination.

The KSP’s investigation is ongoing. Renfro and Middleton were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.