Hanover, VA – Arrest Made in Child Pornography Investigation

Hanover, VA – Arrest Made in Child Pornography Investigation

On July 15, 2025, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 43-year-old Brian Godfrey Martin, a resident of Mechanicsville, Virginia, following a comprehensive investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that began with a cyber tip nearly a year ago.

In July 2024, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which indicated that a local resident might be in possession of child sexual abuse material. ICAC, a nationwide network aimed at protecting children from online exploitation, routinely shares such tips with local law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Following the lead, Hanover investigators launched an extensive investigation that ultimately identified Brian Godfrey Martin as the suspect. After gathering evidence, detectives obtained warrants for Martin’s arrest. He was taken into custody without incident on July 15 and transported to Pamunkey Regional Jail.

Martin is facing multiple felony charges, including:

• One count of Possession of Child Pornography
• Seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Second or Subsequent Offense)
• One count of Distribution of Child Pornography
• Two counts of Distribution of Child Pornography (Second or Subsequent Offense)

A booking photo of Martin has been released to the public as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Involvement

Authorities believe there may be additional information relevant to this case, and they are urging the public to come forward if they have any knowledge of Martin’s activities or any other related concerns.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers by calling (804) 780-1000, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app, which allows users to provide information confidentially from any smartphone or tablet.

Commitment to Protecting Children

The arrest highlights the continued dedication of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to protecting children from sexual exploitation and ensuring those who engage in these crimes are held accountable.

“The safety of our children remains one of our highest priorities,” a department spokesperson said. “We thank the public for their vigilance and cooperation, and we remain committed to thoroughly investigating all reports of this nature.”

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, working in close partnership with ICAC, will continue its proactive efforts to detect and prevent child pornography and related crimes in the community.

As this is an active case, no further details have been released at this time.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Community members are reminded that tips—no matter how small—can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable children. If you suspect online child exploitation or the possession of illegal materials, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency or through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

Together, we can ensure that predators are brought to justice and that every child is protected.