Michael James Barber

LITTLE HOCKING — A Little Hocking man was arrested and charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced via press release Wednesday.

Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau received information about an individual living at 100 Oak Drive, Little Hocking, who was downloading and/or sharing 73 videos and images of child pornography, the release said.

A search warrant was carried out Tuesday to the previously mentioned address, where detectives met with Michael James Barber, 46. Barber was read his Miranda rights and initially denied downloading and sharing the child pornography, but soon confessed.

While searching Barber’s devices, officers found another 45 images and videos of child pornography.

He was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. Additional charges are expected to be issued. He appeared in Marietta Municipal Court Wednesday and is now being held on $75,000 bond plus personal recognizance.