Man indicted for sexual exploitation of a minor in Putnam County
Starting in January, officials said the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Units at the Cookeville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked together to investigate the online distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) originating from Putnam County.
After identifying a suspect using peer-to-peer file sharing software to upload illegal content, authorities said they isolated the source of the activity to an address in Baxter.
Cheatham County constable arrested for unlawful exposure
'In coordination with the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and with the assistance of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office,' police said a search warrant was executed at the Baxter home. Law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices and submitted them for forensic analysis.
According to officials, a comprehensive digital forensic examination revealed more than 50 files containing CSAM. In addition, law enforcement determined the devices belonged to Joseph Patton Hite III.
Authorities said the case was presented to the Putnam County Grand Jury, resulting in an indictment for sexual exploitation of a minor (over 50 images). Hite was reportedly taken into custody and served with the indictment on Thursday, May 15 before receiving a $200,000 bond.
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'This investigation underscores the ongoing collaboration between local and state ICAC partners and highlights the critical role of digital forensic techniques in identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online,' police posted on Friday, May 16. 'The Cookeville Police Department remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.'
No additional detains have been released about this case.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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