A Cumberland County man was arraigned in criminal court today charged with numerous child sex crimes.

The indictments against 31-year-old Douglas Shane Ford of Crossville state he faces 16 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Court records indicate Ford was allegedly in possession between November 15, 2023, and January 22, 2024, of several materials, including a minor engaged in sexual activity.

In court today (Friday, March 8, 2024), the judge set the next court date for Ford on June 21, 2024.

An arraignment is a first appearance in criminal court for a defendant. The individual has a chance to enter a plea and either be appointed a public defender or give notice to the court of the intent to hire an attorney. The judge then sets the next court date for the accused.