Sheriff Jeffrey Paden says a 22 year old Byesville man is in the county jail following a joint investigation between detectives from his Investigations Division and the Byesville Police Department. Detectives were contacted by Chief Daulton Dolan of Byesville Police Department who requested assistance in a sexual assault investigation that was being reported to him, but likely occurring outside of the Village of Byesville.
Investigators met with the Chief and the 13 year old victim’s mother. It was reported that the 22 year old male had been contacting the 13 year old female through social media apps. After reviewing the conversations between the man and child, investigators were given further consent by the mother to engage in conversations with the man through the social media app.
Investigator’s posing as the girl communicated with the man and arrangements were made to meet at a specific location after the man indicated he wanted to engage in sexual intercourse with the girl. The male arrived at the location and was arrested. The male was later questioned by investigators at the jail and admitted he had arrived at the location with the intent to have sexual intercourse with an 11 or 12 year old female.
Sgt. Bill Patterson, the lead investigator on the case said that the case has been presented to the Prosecutor’s Office for review and felony charges are pending.
Sheriff Paden said that due to the collaborative efforts and proactive approach between the Sheriff’s Office and Byesville Police Department “This individual is off the streets and in jail before he could harm this child.”
