Ephrata man arrested in child porn case

EPHRATA – Jeremy B. Burge, 52, of Ephrata was arrested Wednesday morning during an investigation into Internet crimes against children, according to a news release from the Grant County Sheriff's Office. This operation was initiated following a tip from a concerned citizen to the Quincy Police Department in August.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Burge's residence at 2480 Basin Street Southwest #10 and recovered images depicting child sexual abuse after obtaining search warrants for his Google account. According to the press release, Burge is currently in the Grant County Jail and is charged with six counts of possessing depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

According to GCSO, Burge appeared in court Thursday where he was charged with four counts of first-degree possession of child pornography and two counts of second-degree possession of child pornography.

Grant County Superior Court Judge Tyson Hill set bond at $150,000 cash or surety. Burge's next court date is scheduled for October 8, 2024.

Agencies cooperating in this investigation include the Quincy Police Department, Ephrata Police Department and the GCSO.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160 or email [email protected].