A Hartford man was arrested following a joint investigation on charges of soliciting juveniles and possessing child pornography with the intention of distributing it, according to WDNews.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office reports that the investigation started on July 16, 2025, on information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that a suspect had engaged in unethical solicitation of a minor. The case was joined by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.
James Matthew Motley, 51, was found by investigators on Daleville Avenue on August 8. After authorities secured a search warrant for his Hartford home on West Commerce Street, he was taken to the sheriff’s office and then released. An further warrant was issued in response to items found during that search.
By August 12, detectives had determined that Motley had obtained child pornography and had used social media to entice youngsters to share obscene photographs. Motley was charged with five counts of possessing child pornography with intent to distribute, and arrest warrants were issued in Geneva County. He was taken into custody at his residence and placed on $150,000 bail at the Geneva County Jail.
More charges are anticipated, according to authorities. Crimes against children continue to be a key priority, and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office commended the Hartford Police Department, the U.S. Army CID, and the 33rd Judicial Circuit for their support.
