NEWPORT — A 21-year-old Newport man allegedly attempted to destroy evidence and resisted arrest when police executed search warrants in connection with a child pornography investigation on Tuesday.
Christopher “Chris” Nix Jr., of Church Street, is being held without bail in Sullivan County jail following his arraignment on child pornography charges and other alleged offenses in Newport District Court on Wednesday, Newport Police Chief Stephen Lee said Thursday.
Nix allegedly attempted to destroy evidence and physically resisted the investigating officers during the execution of warrants at two addresses at which he was associated with on Church Street on Tuesday, according to police.
His arrest followed a year-long investigation after Newport police said they received a “cyber tip” from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting alleged distribution of child pornography over the internet, a police news release said.
Nix is charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse images. He has also been charged with attempted falsifying physical evidence, resisting arrest or detention, and obstructing government administration.
He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on Nov. 25.