Man wanted for child exploitation arrested in East Columbus

A man wanted by authorities in South Carolina is charged with child exploitation after being arrested Oct. 31 in Columbus by U.S. Marshals and Lowndes County sheriff's deputies.

Josfat Salomon Martinez, 42, also known as Miguel Sierra, is charged with two counts of child exploitation.

A news release from the sheriff's office said the investigation began when LCSO received a tip from a Charleston County Sheriff's Office detective and a member of the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The detective reported that Martinez, who had four active warrants for exploitation of a minor in South Carolina, had been tracked to Lowndes County.

LCSO deputies and members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Martinez on Oct. 31 at a residence on Juanita Street in East Columbus.

During the investigation, investigators found two cell phones. After securing search warrants, investigators removed the contents of the devices. Both phones contained images and videos of children being sexually abused by adults. Martinez, who was interviewed at LCSO, admitted the phones were his, the release said.

Sheriff Eddie Hawkins attributed the arrest to law enforcement cooperation.

“Martinez fueled child exploitation by repeatedly victimizing children every time he uploaded an image or video,” he said in the release. “I am grateful for the hard work of our detectives and organizations like ICAC who are committed to protecting our children from sexual exploitation and abuse.”

The investigation into Martinez is ongoing and additional charges related to the possession and distribution of child abuse material are possible, Hawkins said.

Martinez is being held at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center on $250,000 bail.