Crime & Safety
Columbia Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting Minor
Investigators say Jason Edward Arion had photos of children engaging in sexual activity on his computer.
A Columbia man is in jail after an undercover investigator discovered that online pictures of children engaging in sexual activity originated from the man's IP address, according to the S.C. Attorney General's Office.
Jason Edward Arion, 32, is charged with three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff's Department seized a laptop computer, cell phone, video and still cameras and other computer-related equipment from Arion's house Friday before arrested him.
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He was assigned a surety bond of $35,000 and ordered to not used a computer or cell phone and to avoid contact with children.
Arion could face two to 10 years in prison on each count if convicted, according to the Attorney General's office.
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Deputies are investigating and say that Arion could face more charges.
The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.
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