Bryan Ray Harper arrested Jan 21 for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material; bond set at $425,000

A Cookeville man is facing charges of possession of child sexual abuse material following a cybertip sent to Cookeville Police in December 2025.

According to the release issued by the Cookeville PD on Feb. 3, the tip originated from the messaging app Kik that reported a user account uploaded files suspected to contain child sexual abuse material. Investigators reviewed the reported files and confirmed illegal content was involved.

On Jan. 21, Cookeville PD detectives and the SWAT team executed a search warrant on a residence on Kenway Street. Bryan Ray Harper, 51, was identified as the suspect and was located inside the residence. 

An on-scene investigation was conducted of a mobile device in Harper’s possession where multiple illegal files as well as evidence of distribution was found. 

Harper was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. His bond was set at $425,000.

Cookeville PD is continuing the investigation in this case and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Williams at 931-520-5231.