Man Pleads Guilty in Disturbing Child Abuse Court Case

A 25-year-old man from Grottoes, Virginia, has pleaded guilty in one of the worst child abuse cases involving pornography and indecent acts in recent Rockingham County history. He faces charges of child sexual abuse and obscene material possession.

Jarod Vaughan Driver, a martial arts instructor, entered guilty pleas in Rockingham County Circuit Court to the following felony charges:

• Two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodial or supervisory person.
• One count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography.
• One subsequent offense of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography.

The charges stem from an investigation launched in April after allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Driver and an underage girl. Police say search warrants were executed at an Elkton business and Driver’s residence. Multiple electronic devices were seized, and forensic analysis revealed horrible child abuse images involving a juvenile victim.

The victim’s mother, speaking anonymously, described the court proceedings as painful and validating.

“Hearing the charges read out loud was difficult,” she said. “But hearing him plead guilty brought closure.”

Driver is scheduled for sentencing on December 5, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Rockingham Circuit Court.

This case drew attention for its disturbing nature. It places it among the famous cases of child abuse in Virginia involving both indecent liberties and exploitation through child pornography. The outcome underscores the legal system’s role in holding perpetrators accountable in child abuse court cases and bringing justice to survivors.