Nichols has been living in Kentucky since April, registering as a sex offender from North Carolina. He was convicted of several counts of indecent liberties with a minor.

Nichols was arrested again last month in McCracken County after allegedly soliciting a minor and is currently being lodged in the county jail awaiting sentencing.

However, Marshall County detective Dan Melone said another investigation was launched after it was discovered Nichols was dating a woman who had two children. “We are concerned that he has become ‘active’ again,” Melone said.

The term is often used to identify sex offenders who are once again committing offenses, a risk Melone said authorities just couldn’t take.

“With his recent arrest, it appeared this man was seeking to re-offend and we needed to make sure that didn’t happen,” Melone said.

Upon making contact with Nichol’s girlfriend, Melone said she gave consent for deputies to search a computer known to be used by Nichols.

According to police, several graphic images of child pornography were located on the computer, as well as in a bag said to belong to Nichols. The majority of the photos are said to be of young boys ages 12-14 years-old.

Investigators also found printed copies of explicit chat room conversations between Nichols and other male subjects who may be underage.

A date book containing explicit details about homosexual encounters Nichols allegedly engaged in was recovered, as well.

According to sources in the investigation, Nichols has spent most of his adult years behind bars for related crimes.

Melone said it is important residents view the sex offender registry often to familiarize themselves with offenders who might have moved into the area.

“This is not a form of harassment,” Melone said, “but it is a form of awareness. “If a sex offender moves into your neighborhood, you need to be aware of it. “There is no need to unnecessarily take chances where your family’s safety is concerned.”