BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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OVILLA – Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 78-year-old James Leslie Bellamy last week in Ovilla.
Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division investigators executed a search and arrest warrant in the 100 block of Claremont Drive in Ovilla last Wednesday, Nov. 19.
A statement from the Sheriff’s Department reported the operation was the result of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.
Ellis County works alongside the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Sheriff’s Department commented, “This partnership continues to strengthen our ability to identify and apprehend individuals exploiting children online.”
It was during their investigation, that investigators identified Bellamy who was downloading and distributing images of child pornography – legally referred to as Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Bellamy was placed under arrest for possession with intent to promote child pornography, which is a 1st Degree Felony.
He was taken to Wayne McCollum Detention Facility in Waxahachie and was arraigned and issued a bond in accordance with state law.
“I want to commend our investigators for their dedication and professionalism during this operation.
“Crimes involving the exploitation of children are among the most serious offenses we pursue, and our Office remains fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
