COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Cookeville man has been arrested following an investigation involving the sexual abuse of minors, officials announced Friday.

The charges stem from a multi-agency effort involving the Cookeville Police Department and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

According to authorities, the investigation involved allegations pertaining to several juvenile victims. Officials added that minors from two separate families reported that the incidents occurred between May and July 2024 at areas in Cookeville and Cumberland County.

Investigators reportedly executed a search warrant at a home on Scott Avenue in Cookeville on July 17, 2024. During a search of the home, law enforcement said they seized multiple electronic devices.

A examination of the devices—which was conducted in coordination with the United States Secret Service— reportedly revealed evidence that supported the victims' claims. A indictment was then issued by the Putnam County Criminal Court.

According to Cookeville police, the suspect—identified as Erich Lee Begley—was arrested on the indictment on Wednesday, June 4.

Begley now faces a slew of charges, including: continuous sexual abuse of a minor, sexual battery by an authority figure, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of aggravated sexual battery. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

"The Cookeville Police Department is grateful for the collaboration with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center, Department of Children Services, and the United States Secret Service. Our agencies remain committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations of abuse and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our community," wrote the police department in a release about the arrest.

No additional details were immediately released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/cookeville-man-arrested-following-joint-investigation-into-sexual-abuse-of-minors/