A Carmi man is being held in the White County Jail following his arrest on multiple child sexual abuse material charges after an investigation by the Carmi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit.
According to authorities, the investigation began in June after police received a cybertip involving a residence on Seventh Street in Carmi.
During the early morning hours Thursday, Carmi Police, assisted by the White County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at the residence. As a result, 31-year-old Austin Rossiter was taken into custody.
According to online court records, Rossiter has been charged with five counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material and one count of Animal Abuse. Authorities indicated that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Rossiter made his initial court appearance before White County Resident Circuit Judge T. Scott Webb, who granted the State’s request that Rossiter remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on August 17th.