The quiet suburb of Norton Commons in Kentucky was rocked last week by the arrest of Michael David Booth, a well-known YouTube creator who goes by the moniker "Mr. Crafty Pants." Booth, 39, has amassed a following of nearly 600,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 250,000 followers across Facebook and Instagram, where his family-friendly arts and crafts tutorials have long been a staple for DIY enthusiasts and parents alike. But the image of a trusted neighbor and online mentor was shattered when Booth was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, facing nearly 30 charges related to child pornography.
According to multiple reports, including those from Wave News, KY3, and National World, the investigation into Booth began in early August when the messaging app Kik flagged suspicious activity linked to his account. Law enforcement traced the flagged content to an IP address at Booth’s Norton Commons residence, ultimately leading to a search warrant. The warrant uncovered two "selfie-type" photos that investigators say confirm Booth as the person behind the offending Kik account.
Court documents reveal that Booth allegedly possessed six explicit images, three depicting children under the age of 12 and three showing teenagers. He is accused of sharing these images more than 15 times with other Kik users between August 4 and August 7, 2025. Authorities allege that files involving children under 12 were sent on at least 10 occasions, while files involving minors aged 12 to 18 were distributed on at least 15 occasions. The distribution of these disturbing images, according to Fox 56 and WAVE News, occurred over just a few days, but the impact on Booth’s community and fanbase has been profound.
The arrest sent shockwaves through Booth’s neighborhood. Laura Nash, a neighbor, told WDRB, "So we walked out our front door on Wednesday to a very heavy police presence. My heart dropped. Felt sick to my stomach. It was gut-wrenching and eye-opening." Her sentiments were echoed by another neighbor, Lindsay Smart, who noticed a Halloween sign in Booth’s yard that read "I smell children," remarking, "You feel like you know your neighbors, but what goes on behind closed doors...I guess we never know. It’s sickening, it’s disgusting, and I’m so glad he got caught."
The charges against Booth are extensive. According to court records cited by National World, he faces 10 counts of distributing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12, 15 counts for minors over age 12 but under 18, and several counts of possession of such material. The full list amounts to nearly 30 charges. During his arraignment on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Jefferson County District Court, Booth pleaded not guilty to all counts. The judge set his bond at $100,000 full cash and imposed strict conditions: Booth is barred from having any contact with minors and is prohibited from accessing the internet or any social media platforms. If released, he will be placed under home detention, a measure designed to prevent further harm while the legal process unfolds.
Booth’s arrest has left his online followers reeling. Known for his detailed tutorials and approachable demeanor, Booth’s YouTube channel, "Mr. Crafty Pants," was especially popular among families and children. The idea that someone so embedded in the community—and so trusted by parents—could be accused of such crimes has prompted widespread shock and outrage. As one neighbor, Laura Nash, shared with KY3, "It feels like a gut punch. It makes you feel really vulnerable. It’s terrifying, as a mom, to hear about something like this. It just makes you realize that you’re not safe anywhere."
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether more victims may be involved or if additional charges could be forthcoming. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Booth’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, for a preliminary hearing, where further details about the case may emerge.
The case against Booth has also reignited debates over child safety and content moderation on social media platforms. With millions of children and teenagers engaging with content creators online, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocuous screens. Booth’s arrest comes at a time when platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are under increasing scrutiny to bolster their safeguards and reporting mechanisms for child exploitation and abuse.
The Kik app, central to this case, has long been criticized for its lax approach to content moderation and its popularity among minors. In this instance, however, Kik’s automated systems were instrumental in flagging Booth’s account, setting the investigation in motion. Still, critics argue that tech companies must do more to prevent the distribution of illegal material and to protect the most vulnerable users from predatory behavior.
For Booth, the legal road ahead is daunting. If convicted, he faces significant prison time and the permanent loss of his online platforms. For the families and children who once looked up to "Mr. Crafty Pants," the sense of betrayal is palpable. As the legal proceedings continue, the case stands as a sobering lesson about trust, vigilance, and the hidden risks of digital communities.
As of now, Booth remains in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, unable to post the $100,000 bond. His last video upload was more than four months ago, and his once-busy social media pages are now flooded with comments from stunned fans and concerned parents. The story of Michael David Booth, once a beloved figure in the world of online crafts, has become a cautionary tale—and a call for renewed vigilance in protecting children both online and off.
