53-year-old Caroline man charged with alleged child sex crimes after parent comes forward

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Caroline County man was arrested and charged with multiple child sex crimes after authorities said the concern of a parent and a citizen prompted an investigation.

On Sunday, Aug. 3, the parent of a 13-year-old girl came to the Caroline County Sheriff's Office after finding text messages between her daughter and an adult man.

According to authorities, these messages contained requests for the teenager to send inappropriate photographs.

Investigator H. Morgan reportedly discovered the phone, began a forensic examination and conducted a specialized interview with the teenager.

A separate call from a resident came in who found a lost or abandoned cellphone containing "disturbing images," according to authorities.

Investigators stated that the citizen said they opened the phone and found what they believed to be child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This led to Morgan also obtaining the cellphone and executing a search warrant to conduct a forensic download, according to authorities.

In the examination, Cellular Forensics Technician Sergeant K. Elchenmiller found multiple files believed to be CSAM, some of which allegedly appeared to have been filmed in person. As a result, Morgan learned that the phone belonged to the suspect, 53-year-old Darian Martin of Bowling Green, in the case involving the 13-year-old girl.

The sheriff's office conducted forensic examinations of both devices and interviewed the child. Investigators obtained 10 arrest warrants and a search warrant before later conducting surveillance at Martin's home on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 5.

That evening, Martin, a registered sex offender, was taken into custody, and authorities seized additional electronic devices. He was charged with the following:

• Two counts of forcible sodomy
• Two counts of aggravated sexual battery
• Two counts of taking indecent liberties with a juvenile
• Two counts of object sexual penetration
• Two counts of use of a communication system to facilitate certain offenses involving children

Martin is being held without bond at Pamunkey Regional Jail, with additional charges pending, after further investigation and consultation with the Caroline County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

"This case is a powerful example of what can happen when citizens and law enforcement work together," said Scott Moser, Caroline County Sheriff.

"The courage of a parent willing to come forward, the quick action of a concerned citizen, and the dedication of our investigators underscore the vital role each of us plays in preventing harm and seeking justice. I am grateful for the vigilance and trust our citizens show every day, and for the tireless work of the men and women of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office," Moser continued.