Prosecutors have dismissed all felony charges against a Louisa County man who had been accused of possessing child pornography, citing a lack of admissible evidence.
Curtis Canny had faced 51 felony counts stemming from allegations that images of child pornography were found on electronic devices. Ten charges were filed in January, followed by an additional 41 counts in March.
The case turned on a court ruling related to evidence seized during a search tied to an investigation involving Canny’s stepson, Coletrane Sipes. Law enforcement executed search warrants at a residence shared by both individuals while investigating Sipes.
According to court filings, a cell phone believed to belong to Canny was located in a common area of the home and later searched after investigators obtained an additional warrant. Authorities reported discovering illegal images on the device.
Defense attorneys challenged the search through a motion to suppress, which was granted by the court. Prosecutors later acknowledged that the ruling prevented the state from presenting sufficient evidence at trial.
Court records show Sipes was the primary subject of the investigation and later pleaded guilty to aggravated misdemeanor stalking after admitting to filming a student. The probable cause statements did not identify Canny as a target.
The state moved to dismiss all charges against Canny, with court costs assessed to the state. All 51 felony counts have now been dropped.
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