Registered sex offender arrested in Champaign County

A registered sex offender from North Carolina was arrested for possession of child pornography in the western part of Champaign County, according to a news release from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

Zachary Koa Hancock, 23, was arrested for one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a felony of the second degree, on Friday.

According to the release, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office received information on Friday that Hancock had been “using a computer and other electronic devices to search and obtain child pornography.”

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After a preliminary investigation, the sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and computers, the release said. The suspect was then arrested after further investigation.

In January, Hancock was convicted of “taking indecent liberties with a minor” in North Carolina, the release said.

“He was allowed to move to Ohio to live with his family while on probation,” the release said. “Upon arriving in Ohio, Hancock did register his sex offender status with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.”

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Hancock was placed in the Tri-County Jail, the release said. He was still listed as an inmate Monday afternoon. The incident remains under investigation.

“Additional charges may be pending upon presenting further evidence to the grand jury,” the release said.

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