Two charged with child and computer pornography after arrest in Columbus

Editor’s Note: A jury acquitted Mahlon Dyer of child molestation and child exploitation charges on Aug. 5, 2021. Further reporting in 2018 and 2021 revealed that the woman charged in the case was the mother of the alleged victim. The Ledger-Enquirer removed her name and mugshot from this story on August 6, 2021, in order to better protect the child’s identity.

A man and a woman faces child molestation and computer pornography charges after their arrest Thursday.

The suspects were identified as Mahlon Jacobs Dyer, 30, and a 29-year-old woman, both of Columbus. Dyer is charged child molestation, computer pornography child exploitation and possession of drug related objects. French also faces one count of child molestation and computer pornography child exploitation. Both are held in the Muscogee County Jail for a 9 a.m. Friday hearing in Recorder’s Court.

The arrests came a day after an officer was called at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Public Safety Center to check a phone containing child pornography. Dyer was taken into custody on outstanding warrants at a Wellborn Drive location.

A search of Dyer’s residence revealed the location of three drug related devices. A Veterans Parkway address is listed for the woman.

This story was originally published April 5, 2018 at 9:15 PM with the headline "Two charged with child and computer pornography after arrest in Columbus."