Corbin man accused of abusing young girl

Allegations that a Corbin man sexually abused a nine-year-old girl led police to another shocking discovery – dozens of pictures on his home computer depicting children, from toddlers to young teens, nude or engaging in sex with adults.
Thirty-six-year-old Derek Ray Hodge, a resident of Fifth Street in Corbin, was arrested last Friday after police interviewed him for a second time regarding the allegations. He was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, use of a minor in a sexual performance and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance of a minor.
According to Corbin Police Capt. Tim Helton, the principal investigator in the case, penalties for the crimes could become more serious if federal authorities decide to take over the case.
“The FBI has been contacted in reference to the case and the things that have been found,” he said. “They will decide whether or not to take it for consideration to the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
The investigation into the case initially began in March when the child’s parents complained to police. The child was interviewed and shortly thereafter Hodge voluntarily came to the Corbin Police Department to talk with authorities. From information gained in the interview, a search warrant was issued and Hodge’s computer was seized from his home. A forensic examination of the computer revealed “a lot” of pornographic images depicting children, Helton said.
“The agency that conducted the forensic examination of the computer has submitted the information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for identification of the children in the photos and to possibly have the photos traced,” Helton said.
Authorities claim the girl was used in “some type of sexual act,” but would not elaborate. Helton said Hodge had “ongoing contact” with the child, but would not say how he knew here.
Hodge is married but has no biological children of his own.
Helton said Hodge apparently obtained the illegal photographs through the Internet, but isn’t sure whether he actually disseminated any photos or videos of his own.
“That’s being investigated as we speak,” he said. “There are a lot of different aspects of this case that still need to be looked into.”
Hodge was arrested on recommendation from the Whitley County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Helton said. If convicted, he could face between 10 to 20 years in prison.
According to Helton, Hodge has no prior criminal history and is not a registered sex offender.
He is currently being held in the Whitley County Jail on a $1 million bond.