MARTINS FERRY — Three Martins Ferry residents have been charged in separate child exploitation investigations after cyber tips led Belmont County detectives to allegedly discover child sexual abuse material on electronic devices.

Michael Stiles, 21, and Hayley Lovell, 19, were arrested June 18 following an investigation by the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit. Both were charged with pandering obscenities involving a minor, a second-degree felony.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began after a cyber tip was received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detectives executed search warrants and conducted digital forensic examinations as part of the investigation.

The Martins Ferry Police Department and Bridgeport Police Department assisted with the investigation and arrests.

In a separate and unrelated investigation, detectives arrested William Burwell, 36, of Martins Ferry. Authorities said that case also originated from a cyber tip received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Burwell was charged with one count of pandering obscenities involving a minor, a second-degree felony.

The investigation included the forensic examination of electronic devices and other evidence obtained by detectives, according to the sheriff’s office.

Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said investigations involving the exploitation of children remain among the most serious cases handled by his office.

“These cases require extensive digital forensic analysis, coordination with our law enforcement partners and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Zusack said. “We will continue to aggressively investigate these offenses and pursue those responsible.”

The sheriff’s office thanked the Martins Ferry and Bridgeport police departments for their assistance with the investigations.