CLARKSVILLE, MD — A Howard County man was arrested and charged early Monday morning for possessing and distributing child pornography, according to Maryland State Police. John Monroe Jr., 26, of Clarksville, was arrested following an investigation by a Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Monroe was arrested following an online investigation in June by Maryland State Police for offenders sharing child pornography. On Monday, Maryland State Police and Homeland Security and Investigations searched Monroe's home and found multiple child pornography files on his electronic devices, according to police.

Monroe was arrested without incident. He is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography and six counts of possession of child pornography. Following his arrest, Monroe was taken to the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barrack for processing.