A Carbon County man has been arrested for possessing and distributing child pornography.

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office on Tuesday announced the arrest of James G. Kessell, 61, of 527 Sixth St., Weatherly, following an investigation in Carbon by the Office of Attorney General's Child Predator Section.During an investigation into the online sexual abuse of children, agents discovered suspected child pornography distributed through a file sharing service.The investigation led agents from the Office of Attorney General's Child Predator Section and the Weatherly Police Department to execute a search warrant at Kessell's residence.A preliminary review of Kessell's computer and external hard drive revealed images indicative of child pornography.Kessell was placed under arrest and is charged with 12 counts of possession of child pornography and one count each of distribution of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.He was released from the Carbon County Correctional Facility after a bondsman posted a $100,000 surety bond on his behalf. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 10.