2 Hardin County men arrested in separate child exploitation investigations

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky State Police arrested two Hardin County men Thursday on child exploitation charges stemming from separate investigations.

Garry Eugene Middleton II, 55, was arrested following an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, KSP said in a release.

Investigators said the case began after authorities discovered Middleton was allegedly sharing child sexual exploitation images online. Police obtained a search warrant for Middleton's residence, arrested him and seized electronic devices allegedly used in the crimes.

Middleton was charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old, all felony charges. He was arraigned Friday morning and is being held in the Hardin County Detention Center.

In a separate investigation, 25-year-old Nicholas Renfro was arrested Thursday on similar child exploitation charges.

KSP said Renfro's arrest also stemmed from an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation after investigators allegedly found he was sharing child sexual exploitation images online.

Police arrested Renfro Thursday afternoon and seized his electronic devices. He was charged with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old, along with 10 counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old.

Both investigations remain ongoing.

Renfro's mugshot was not immediately available.