by Leah Justice

A Columbus man was arrested in Anderson, S.C. this week after investigators found evidence of child pornography in his home, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Jonathan Michael Whisnant, 41, of 60 Overlook Circle, Columbus, was arrested and charged with second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to sheriff reports.

Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill said the investigation was ongoing for about three months and was a joint operation with federal agents.

Federal agents contacted the sheriff’s office regarding the case and the agencies conducted a search warrant at Whisnant’s home on Jan. 22. Investigators found images and videos of child pornography, according to sheriff reports, and seized several laptop computers and other equipment during the execution of the search warrant.

The sheriff’s office said Whisnant is a former substitute teacher in Polk County.

Whisnant left Polk County and the sheriff’s office entered him as wanted. Anderson, S.C. sheriff’s deputies arrested Whisnant on Monday, Jan. 27 and he was transported to Polk County on Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to sheriff reports.

Whisnant is still being held at the Polk County Jail under a $40,000 secured bond and has his first court appearance scheduled for Feb. 5.

Hill said more charges are expected in the case.