Updated May 25, 2016 at 11:06 a.m.

ISLE OF WIGHT
A Battery Park man, who is reportedly employed by the City of Franklin, had eight felony warrants for distribution of child pornography brought against him on Monday. Lt. Tommy Potter, investigator and spokesman for the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office, announced it that afternoon via a press release.

Christopher Alan Hogge, 48, of the 1000 block of Newport Street in Battery Park, was taken into custody, which Potter confirmed in follow-up questions. Hogge is listed on the City’s website as C. Alan Hogge, director of Social Services for the City of Franklin. The Tidewater News reported in late June 2011 that he was hired in that position.

Hogge is also the pastor at Battery Park Baptist Church in that area of the county.

The warrants had been secured within the past few days, said Potter, adding that they had been part of an ongoing investigation in the past month.

He stated that in May the county sheriff’s investigators had gotten a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, which came through the Bedford County Internet Crimes against Children Task force. Reportedly, an Internet account in Isle of Wight had accessed an online social media account on which was stored multiple images of matter depicting child pornography and exploitation.

Following up on this tip, investigators assigned to the Special Investigations Section sought warrants for the aforementioned charge.

Search warrants are also being carried out in connection with this case at different sites in both Isle of Wight County and the City of Franklin, stated Potter. He added later that no other suspects are involved at this time.

He explained that the Bedford County Internet Crimes against Children Task Force is one of two task forces in Virginia that specialize in the investigation of Internet crimes against children to include child pornography. Also, this task force serves as a clearing house for investigations for law enforcement agencies throughout southern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

In an update to the announcement later that night, Potter said, “The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation of The City of Franklin during this investigation. The investigation into this matter continues and as evidence is examined additional charges may be sought. Hogge was taken before a magistrate and a no bond status was set. He will be transported to Western Tidewater Regional Jail.”