HARTFORD, Ala. (WDNews) – A joint investigation has led to the arrest of a Hartford man accused of soliciting minors and possessing child pornography with intent to distribute.
According to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began July 16, 2025, after the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided information that a suspect had solicited a minor for immoral purposes. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division joined the case.
On Aug. 8, investigators located 51-year-old James Matthew Motley traveling on Daleville Avenue. He was transported to the sheriff’s office and later released as investigators obtained a search warrant for his Hartford residence on West Commerce Street. Items recovered during that search prompted an additional warrant.
By Aug. 12, investigators concluded Motley had solicited minors via social media to exchange explicit images and was in possession of child pornography. Arrest warrants were issued in Geneva County charging Motley with five counts of possession of child pornography with intent to disseminate. He was arrested at his home and booked into the Geneva County Jail on bonds totaling $150,000.
Authorities say additional charges are expected. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office thanked the U.S. Army CID, Hartford Police Department, and the 33rd Judicial Circuit for their assistance, adding that crimes against children remain a top priority.
