GRANT — A Grant man has been arrested following an investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed a residential search warrant on June 15 at a home located in the 100 block of Esslinger Road in Grant after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Authorities said the investigation began after information was received through the CyberTipline indicating the possible possession of child sexual abuse material. Investigators were able to establish probable cause to obtain and execute the search warrant.

During the execution of the warrant, investigators conducted a preliminary examination of a mobile device and ultimately made an arrest at the scene.

Ricky E. Burkhead, 62, of Grant, was charged with five counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Officials stated that additional charges are expected.

Under Alabama law, Possession of Child Pornography is a Class B felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000 for each count.

Assisting agencies included the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office, and the Grant Police Department.

Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims said technological advances have contributed to an increase in these types of investigations.

“Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has resulted in more cases like this,” Sims said. “The access that is available to download pictures of underage children is oftentimes at the fingertips of these child predators. We will always actively pursue these cases and hold those individuals accountable.”