Pike County Sheriff’s Office posted a public safety warning on Facebook urging youth, parents and guardians to understand the legal and personal consequences of inappropriate sexual conduct involving minors, the office said. The message was signed by Sheriff Bryant “Wally” Jones.
The office said anyone 18 or older who engages in sexual or sexually inappropriate contact with a person under 18 can face serious legal consequences. That includes inappropriate sexual conversations, text messages, photographs, videos or other forms of sexual communication, the post said.
The sheriff’s office said such conduct can lead to an investigation, arrest, criminal prosecution and conviction depending on the circumstances and applicable law. A conviction can have long-term effects on education, employment, reputation, relationships and future prospects.
The office urged parents and guardians to know who their children are communicating with online and through phones and to encourage children to report anyone who requests inappropriate photographs, sends explicit messages, attempts sexual conversations, pressures or threatens them to keep communication secret, or asks to meet privately.
Young people were told they do not have to respond and should tell a trusted adult and seek help. The office said those convicted of a sex crime can face jail time and must register with the sheriff’s office every three months for life. “Protecting Our Children. Educating Our Community. Serving Pike County,” the post concluded.
