Lizella Man Charged with Distribution of Obscene Materials to Oconee Teen

The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force Thursday assisted in the arrest of a 20-year-old Lizella, Georgia man, who was wanted on charges of electronic distribution of obscene materials to a minor in Oconee County.

According to a news release from the , investigators obtained evidence and warrants for Martin Coty Johnson after speaking with the family of the 14-year-old victim on July 3.  Johnson allegedly met the victim in an Internet chat room in May and sent the victim obscene emails and text messages, Chief Deputy Lee Weems said. The victim had disclosed his age prior to receiving the messages, he said.

The case remains under investigation and there is a "strong likelihood" of additional felony charges, Weems said.  At this time, authorities are not aware of any other victims, he added.

The Regional Fugitive Task Force took Johnson into custody July 5 and he was transferred to the Oconee County Jail.  Bond had not been set as of Thursday afternoon, according to booking reports.

Johnson was charged with two counts each of electronically furnishing obscene materials to minors and child molestation under statute 16-6-4(a)(2) related to the sending of obscene materials to minors.

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