At around 3:00 a.m. Patrolman Blackledge of the Charleston Police Department spotted a parked car in the 7200 block of MacCorkle Avenue. He could see someone was in the driver’s seat, and Windows were fogged. Patrolman Blackledge approached to check on the driver.
During a conversation with the driver, Robert Wayne Pettit, Jr. (37 years old of Rutledge Road near Charleston), Patrolman Blackledge saw an image of apparent child pornography involving a female who appeared to be under the age of ten on the cars audio-visual system’s seven-inch dash screen. The location was at the city limit, so Patrolman Blackledge contacted the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office about the incident. Subsequently, a digital forensics examiner was sent to assist with the investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for the car’s computer system and attached flash memory. When the warrant was executed more than 300 images of apparent child pornography were located. Some of the images included female toddlers. Many involved girls engaged in sexual acts with others.
Mr. Pettit was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. He was taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Magistrate Sisson arraigned him and set a bond of $50,000.00 cash only. Mr. Pettit was taken to South Central Regional Jail.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Pettit is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sgt