The Elkton Police Department said a Grottoes man has been charged after he reportedly sexually abused a minor and was caught with child sexual abuse images, according to Facebook post by the agency.
Jarod V. Driver, 25, who police said was a karate instructor, is facing four charges of taking indecent liberties with a minor and three charges of possessing child pornography. The alleged offense dates are November 2021 through November 2023, court files show.
Authorities arrested Driver on Thursday.
The Elkton Police Department said Driver came under investigation after he was allegedly involved with an underage female. Multiple search warrants were executed at a business in Elkton and at Driver’s residence, according to the agency.
Police said multiple electronic devices were seized. Forensic examinations were conducted on the devices and numerous obscene images of a juvenile were allegedly recovered.
It appears Driver was an instructor at Next Level Martial Arts in Elkton, formerly known as Brian Mayes Karate. In a Facebook post Thursday, Mayes wrote, “Next Level Martial Arts has proudly been part of the Elkton community for over 15 years. Our primary concern has and always will be the safety of our students and their families. My Team and I are deeply disturbed by the charges against Mr. Driver. Once we were made aware of the charges, Mr. Driver’s employment was terminated.”
Driver is being held without bond at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Corporal C. S. Roberts of the Elkton Police Department at (540) 298-9441.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Grottoes man facing allegations of sex abuse, possessing child sexual abuse images