The athletics director of the George County School District was arrested Thursday on child pornography charges.

The George County Sheriff’s Office said Christopher David West, 51, of Lucedale, has been charged with one count of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Distribution of Child Pornography.

West is being held at the George County Regional Correctional Facility. Following an initial appearance with a George County Justice Court Judge, West was granted a $50,000 commercial bond on each count, totaling $100,000 in commercial bonds.

The George County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi Attorney General’s Office executed a search warrant on West’s home. The Attorney General’s Office is leading the investigation. Attorney General Lynn Fitch said anyone with information in the case should call the office’s Cyber Crime Investigators at 601-359-3680.

“My office is committed to seeking justice and helping victims heal, but we need your help,” Fitch said in a statement.

According to West’s bio on the George County School District’s web site, he has worked in various roles in the district since 1999. He was a teacher and coach at George County High School, a principal at Leakesville Junior High School, and a director of transportation.

West was honored with the Mississippi Association of Coaches Distinguished Coach Award in 2008.

“The George County School District has just been made aware of the allegations against Chris West and is fully cooperating with law enforcement in this matter,” Wade Whitney, the George County School District Superintendent, said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our paramount concern. As with any personnel matter, we cannot comment on the specifics of the situation at this time.”