ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — An Elizabethton man who is accused of possessing numerous images of child sexual abuse material was arrested in Florida.

Michael S. Barnett was taken into custody by deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, as stated by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

Barnett, 33, of the Stoney Creek community, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor after the CCSO searched digital media storage devices.

A CCSO news release indicates that an investigation was initiated in May following a tip-off regarding Barnett, accompanied by several devices. Investigators secured a search warrant and examined thumb drives, SD cards, and microSD cards.

“During the forensic search of the devices, investigators discovered numerous images depicting child sexual abuse material,” the release states.

An arrest warrant charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a minor was obtained after the images were found.

Following Barnett’s arrest in Florida, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department also charged him as a fugitive from justice. According to the CCSO, Barnett is currently detained in Florida while awaiting extradition back to Carter County.

“I am proud of the work of my investigators and their continued commitment to protecting children by investigating and charging those who victimize them,” Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley said. “The Carter County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit crimes against children and will work with our law enforcement partners on the local, state, and federal levels to secure criminal charges against them.”