ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — An Elizabethton man who is accused of possessing numerous images of child sexual abuse material was arrested in Florida.

According to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Michael S. Barnett was arrested by deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday.

Barnett, 33, of the Stoney Creek community, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor after the CCSO searched digital media storage devices.

A news release from the CCSO states an investigation began earlier in May after a tip regarding Barnett was received, along with several devices. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators searched thumb drives, SD cards and microSD cards.

“During the forensic search of the devices, investigators discovered numerous images depicting child sexual abuse material,” the release states.

An arrest warrant charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a minor was obtained after the images were found.

After arresting Barnett in Florida, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department also charged him with being a fugitive from justice. The CCSO reports Barnett is being held in Florida until he can be extradited back to Carter County.

“I am proud of the work of my investigators and their continued commitment to protecting children by investigating and charging those who victimize them,” Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley said. “The Carter County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit crimes against children and will work with our law enforcement partners on the local, state, and federal levels to secure criminal charges against them.”