The Webster County man accused of sexual abuse and child pornography was indicted on all counts by the Webster County Grand Jury last Wednesday.
Damien Belt, 31 of Clay, will now have all 80 counts in his case heard in Webster Circuit Court. His arraignment is scheduled for this morning at 9 a.m.
Belt faces 33 counts each of possession and distribution of matter depicting a child under the age of 12 in a sexual act. He also is charged with three counts each of second-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor under 16 years of age (illegal sex act), and use of a minor under 16 years of age in an illegal sexual performance. He faces two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a victim under 16 years of age.
The grand jury amended three counts of second-degree rape to first-degree sodomy.
The amended charges carry stricter penalties, with potential sentences depending on the age of the victim. If the crime was committed against someone under 12, first-degree sodomy is a Class A felony with a sentence of 20 to 50 years. Second-degree rape is a Class C felony.
Belt was arrested March 14 after a search of his residence turned up multiple images of children performing sexual acts, according to a release from the Kentucky State Police. The search was a result of an investigation by the agency’s Electronic Crimes Branch. The specialized unit had discovered Belt had shared images online, leading to a search warrant being issued for his home.
Officers confiscated hardware from the residence and sent the equipment to the KSP forensic lab, the release states.
