A traffic stop in early February for suspected drug trafficking in Gulf Shores has led to child pornography charges against a local man, authorities said.

Stephen Terry Sewell Jr., 29, of Gulf Shores was arrested April 4 after digital evidence retrieved from a previous narcotics investigation revealed explicit content involving minors, according to police.

On Feb. 3, officers with the Gulf Shores Police Department’s Criminal Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 6900 block of Crimson Ridge Street. The stop was part of an investigation into reports of illegal narcotics sales in the area.

During the encounter, police arrested Sewell on charges of cocaine trafficking. Investigators seized a large quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of $14,000, as well as marijuana, digital scales, multiple cellphones and $3,500 in cash.

A search warrant was later obtained for the seized phones, which were sent to the Gulf Coast Technology Center for forensic analysis. That analysis uncovered numerous images of child pornography on one of the devices, leading to Sewell’s arrest on four counts of possession of child pornography.

The Gulf Shores Police Department credited the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force and the Gulf Coast Technology Center for assisting in the investigation.

Police said the case remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department at (251) 968-2432 or email gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov. Anonymous tips are welcome.