Hazard Woman Arrested on Four Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

Megan A. Combs, 36, of Hazard was arrested Monday afternoon following an undercover Kentucky State Police investigation into the online sharing and possession of child sexual abuse material, and now faces four felony charges carrying a combined potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

KSP's Electronic Crime Branch took Combs into custody at approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 6 as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation. Officers simultaneously executed a search warrant at a Hazard residence, seizing electronic equipment investigators say was used to allegedly facilitate the offenses. That equipment was transported to the KSP forensic laboratory for further examination, and the case remains an active investigation.

Combs is charged with four counts of possession of matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance. Each count is a Class D felony under Kentucky law and carries a sentencing range of one to five years in prison, placing her potential exposure at up to 20 years if convicted on all charges. She was lodged at the Kentucky River Regional Detention Center following the arrest. Combs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation was driven by Kentucky's ICAC Task Force, a coalition of more than 26 local, state, and federal law enforcement partners coordinated through the KSP Electronic Crime Branch. The task force focuses on online enticement and child sexual abuse material cases and provides forensic analysis, investigative support, and victim services that many rural agencies are not staffed to handle independently.

Procedural next steps will include arraignment in Perry Circuit Court, where a judge will formally address the charges and bond conditions. Residents with information related to this case or similar online exploitation activity should contact the KSP Electronic Crime Branch or their local law enforcement agency.