Martin man faces obscenity charges: Cram was para-pro at Franklin County High School

On Sept. 19, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department arrested Bruce Douglas Cram, 43, of Martin. Cram was arrested and charged with one count of distributing obscene material.

The incident occurred on the campus of the Franklin County High School where Cram was employed as a paraprofessional/teacher aide. According to Sheriff Steve Thomas, Cram had been employed by the school system for a couple of years.

The arrest came after the Franklin County High School resource officer obtained a certain computer device that was believed to contain a quantity of obscene material. School officials worked closely with law enforcement to identify witnesses and potential evidence that was seized.

“My resource officer at the high school was told Cram had a memory stick that may have some adult pictures on it,” said Thomas. “We found out it was true.”

Investigators were successful in obtaining two search warrants for certain computer equipment. The scope of the search pertained to the material of data that was stored within the electronic devices. Law enforcement officers conducted many interviews and seized a quantity of evidence that was believed to be of great importance in the ongoing criminal case.

On Sept. 22 around 5 p.m., law enforcement members of the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the Stephens County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant on the residence of Bruce Douglas Cram in Martin, Stephens County. Authorities were able to recover a large quantity of computer equipment and other illegal material. Authorities remained on the search warrant scene through late Friday night collecting physical evidence in the criminal case.

Thomas said Cram made bond on Saturday afternoon.

Investigators have not been able to link or identify any student victims. The current case only involves the material being distributed by Cram to a high school teacher.

“He gave the memory card to one of the high school teachers. She didn't know these pictures were on it,” Thomas said. “When she opened it up, all of the pictures popped up and surprised her.”

Law enforcement is taking every precaution with the case because of other known activity that is associated with the crime of distributing obscene material. The seized electronic equipment will undergo a thorough forensic examination by a specialist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

“We expect there will be several other people arrested, too,” Thomas said.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department has received assistance in the ongoing criminal case from the Northern Judicial District Attorney's Office, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Stephens County Sheriff's Department. Investigators will also seek assistance through the United States Postal Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These agencies currently offer a wide range of services that are beneficial in investigating computer crimes.