Henrico firefighter facing child pornography charges

A Henrico County firefighter is under arrest in Hanover County, facing multiple felony charges related to child pornography.

Brian Godfrey Martin, 43, was arrested July 15, following an investigation that began last year. Martin is a resident of Mechanicsville and has been employed by the Henrico Division of Fire since 2012, most recently at Station 19 in Short Pump.

"Due to the nature of the charges against him, Mr. Martin has been suspended without pay, effective immediately," Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "In addition, the Division of Fire’s Professional Standards unit will conduct an independent investigation into matters associated with Mr. Martin’s employment."

An investigation by the Hanover County Sheriff's Office begin in July 2024, following their receipt of information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force about possible possession of child pornography by a person living in Hanover.

Authorities arrested Martin Tuesday and took him to Pamunkey Regional Jail.

He faces one count of possession of child pornography, seven counts of possession of child pornography second or subsequent offense, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of distribution of child pornography second or subsequent offense. All charges are felonies.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.