A Columbus man arrested Tuesday on a charge of possession of child pornography is out of jail today on a $7,500 bond.
Noel Everett Sumrall Jr., 66, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after officers from the Columbus Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at 811 Fifth Ave. N., Sumrall’s residence.
Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen said Tuesday night Sumrall was charged with possession of child pornography. He was released at about 9 p.m. His initial court date is Feb. 2.
Officers found what is believed to be child pornography inside his home and storm shelter in the backyard.
The officers arrived at the house with the warrant just before 9 a.m. They entered the house through the back door, but Sumrall was not inside.
Officers spent much of the morning searching the home and found at least seven trunks full of items, which police said included photos and CDs. Police confiscated all forms of media found at the residence.
After officers spent around 1 1/2 hours searching the home, Sumrall arrived at the residence at around 10:45 a.m. and was taken into custody.
Neighbors who watched police surround the house said Sumrall was quiet and kept to himself.
One person, who lives nearby on the 800 block of Fifth Avenue North, described Sumrall as weird. Another neighbor said Sumrall has lived at the residence for at least 30 years.
Local authorities were unsure today of the maximum penalties for the crime. According to a similar case handled last year, a conviction on state charges of possession of child pornography could mean a sentence of up to 40 years in prison; a federal conviction could mean an additional 10 years.
Sumrall was transported to the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center on Tuesday morning, but charges were not filed immediately because police had to examine all items recovered.
Police said the Criminal Investigation Division received a tip that Sumrall had child pornography about a week ago and had enough information to secure a search warrant.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.