A Topeka man was booked into the Shawnee County Jail on March 19 on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child involving the possession of illicit media, according to jail records.
Joseph James Lake III, 35, was booked at approximately 12:20 p.m., with a booking number of 2026-00001890. The charge is tied to a warrant identified as 26CR517.
Authorities allege the offense involves possession of media depicting a person under the age of 18.
Bond was set at $50,000, with a bond designation of C/PS, according to records. A court appearance is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
No additional details about the investigation or circumstances surrounding the arrest have been released.
The charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
