Columbia County Firefighter Arrested on Child Porn and Drug Charges

A lieutenant with Columbia County Fire Rescue now sits in the Columbia County Detention Center without bond, charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children, three drug offenses and Possession of a Firearm or Knife During the Commission of a Crime.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office began an investigation of 36-year-old Matthew Brisendine of Grovetown September 1 after authorities received two Cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  Authorities went to Brisendine's home on Clifden Avenue in Grovetown when it was suspected he was downloading child pornography.

While serving the search warrant at Brisendine's home, investigators also discovered and seized 363 grams of marijuana, a digital scale and other paraphernalia possibly associated with a growing operation.  Three firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories were also found in the home.

Brisendine's live-in girlfriend, 31-year-old Alexis Azevedo, faces charges in connection with the marijuana and weapons, but not the child pornography, according to the sheriff's office.  She is also being held in the Columbia County Detention Center without bond.

Brisendine, who was terminated from Columbia County Fire Rescue on Wednesday, had been with the department for 15 years

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