Twenty four counts of possessing material depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child have been levied against Robert Jackson Norton of Sage. Norton, age 52 is accused of downloading child pornography from a computer in his home.  Each charge is a class “c” felony.  Norton was an elementary teacher at Izard County Consolidate School and a church pastor. He has since resigned these positions. The Friday arrest of Norton resulted in his incarceration and bond was set at $240,000.

Sheriff Tate Lawrence said that the Arkansas State Police is the lead agency while the Izard County Sheriff’s Department is the assisting agency in the investigation and arrest. Further charges are possible in this continuing investigation. Sheriff Lawrence said that at this point in the investigation, there is no evidence that Norton had physical contact with any children depicted in the photos.

News Release, For Immediate Release, June 22, 2014, POC: Sheriff Lawrence, 8703684203

Note: Picture of Norton provided