STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A Hart County man is facing felony charges after an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch. KSP officials say 45-year-old Stephan Wayne Self was arrested on June 29, 2026, at approximately 2:25 p.m. following the online investigation.
According to state police, the Electronic Crime Branch began looking into Self after investigators discovered a suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. Troopers say that undercover work through the Internet Crimes Against Children program led them to identify Self as a suspect. The investigation resulted in a search warrant at a residence in Horse Cave on June 29, 2026.
KSP reports that equipment believed to have been used to facilitate the alleged crimes was seized at the home and taken to the agency’s forensic laboratory for examination. Self is currently charged with two counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old.
State police say the charges are Class C felonies, each punishable by five to 10 years in prison if there is a conviction. Investigators say the case remains open and additional charges are possible, depending on what is found during the forensic review of the seized equipment.
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged by law enforcement to monitor children’s online activity and report any suspected exploitation to police.
Self is currently lodged at the Barren County Detention Center.
Key Facts
– Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested Stephan Wayne Self, 45, on June 29, 2026
– Arrest followed an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation
– Investigators say Self shared child sexual abuse material online
– Search warrant executed at a Horse Cave residence, with equipment seized
– Self charged with two Class C felony counts of distributing material portraying a minor under 12 in a sexual performance
– Charges carry possible penalties of five to 10 years in prison
– Self lodged in the Barren County Detention Center
– KSP says the investigation is ongoing
