Centre Man Arrested on Over 120 Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges Following ICAC Investigation

The Weekly Ledger
22 hours ago
2 min read

Malaki Ray Sipsy, 21, of Centre(Image courtesy of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.)

T.L. Sullivan - TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | March 12, 2026

CENTRE, Ala. — A Centre man has been arrested and is facing more than 120 charges following an investigation into the alleged possession and attempted possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Centre Police Department.

Authorities say Malaki Ray Sipsy, 21, of Centre, was taken into custody after investigators received an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) CyberTip in late January 2026 indicating that child sexual abuse material was allegedly being distributed through an online social media platform.

According to officials, Centre Police Department Chief Investigator Randy Mayorga received the cyber tip and began an investigation that included digital evidence and identifying information connected to a suspect believed to reside within the city limits of Centre.

As the investigation progressed, authorities identified the suspect as Sipsy.

Investigators with the Centre Police Department then coordinated with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit to execute a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. During the search, several electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation.

Officials say Chief Investigator Brian Gilliland with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in obtaining and extracting data from the seized devices.

During the review of the extracted data, investigators reportedly discovered multiple videos containing child sexual abuse material. Authorities also reported finding additional images of minors that had been digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence technology.

As a result of the investigation, Sipsy has been charged with:

4 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
122 counts of Attempted Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Both charges fall under Code of Alabama §13A-12-192(b).

Sipsy is currently being held as the investigation continues.

The Centre Police Department expressed appreciation to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit, particularly Chief Investigator Brian Gilliland, for their assistance during the investigation.

Law enforcement officials are also encouraging parents, guardians, and custodians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity. Authorities recommend regularly checking devices and setting social media accounts to private with strong parental controls to help protect minors from online exploitation.

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