A man who claims to be the founder of the “Biblical Flat Earth Society” has been charged with 56 counts of child sexual exploitation.

Phillip Stephen Stallings, 40, from Durham County, US, was arrested after a joint investigation by the Durham Country Sheriff’s Office and the US Department of Homeland Security.

Officials allege Stallings – who boasts more than 6,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel - downloaded media that involved minors engaging in sexual activities.

His arrest was part of a larger investigation undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman AnnMarie Breen said.

Breen confirmed to 7News.com.au that Stallings is also known as Philip.

Phillip Stephen Stallings has been charged with child porn offences. Credit: Durham County Jail

On 20 June, Stallings appeared in court, with a judge setting his bail at $500,000.

Stallings website philipstallings.com describes him as a “Reformed Christian Apologist” and in a featured post he shares his experience in debating “the flat earth issue from the standpoint of Scripture”.

Stallings is due to return to court on 11 July.

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