DeFuniak Springs, Fla— A little league coach arrested in September on charges of child pornography and soliciting parents for sex with their children is now facing additional felony charges including the manufacturing of child pornography.
Hughes was arrested on September 15th on charges of using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent to engage in sexual conduct with a child, directly promoting sexual performance by a child, and transmission of child pornography via electronic device after one of the mothers he tried to solicit on social media tipped WCSO investigators.
The investigation into his arrest continued following Hughes’ arrest with a search warrant and additional interviews. In the following months Walton County Sheriff’s Investigators combed through thousands of files uncovering photographic and digital evidence on a computer seized during the search warrant. During their investigation enough evidence was collected to warrant charges of manufacturing child porn and felony domestic battery by strangulation.
“To actually file the charge for the victim means justice for that victim,” said Investigator Ben Dowdy. “We want each victim to know they’re being advocated for.”
Hughes was served the warrant while incarcerated at the Walton County Jail where he is being held on $507,500 bond. This is still an active investigation and more charges are expected to be filed in the future.
