Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
A 52-year-old Christiansburg man has been given 25 years in prison on multiple sex and drug charges.
This past week, a Montgomery County circuit court judge sentenced Michael James Tarkinton on charges of possession and production of child pornography, possession of items depicting sexual abuse of an animal, sexual abuse of an animal, solicitation of a minor, child solicitation by electronic means, possession of schedule I/II controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and distribution of marijuana.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, an investigation was initiated in October 2024, after receiving a tip from Homeland Security Investigations that he was engaged in an online relationship with a juvenile.
The sheriff’s office conducted a search warrant on Talkington’s home, where they seized electronic devices and narcotics. Investigators discovered child sexual abuse materials as well as images of animal sexual abuse on the devices.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged assistance provided by the Christiansburg Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and also the Montgomery County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for their dedication to seeking justice in this matter.
If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of sexual exploitation, Cybertips can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
