Ronica Shannon
A Berea College student was arrested Friday for allegedly sending sexually explicit text messages to a 14-year-old girl.
Sarah E. Wilson, 20, is being held at the Madison County Detention Center in lieu of a $10,000 cash bond, according to jail personnel.
“We reacted to a complaint by a parent,” said Capt. Ken Clark, public relations officer for the Berea Police Department. “One of our officers texted this person back, and we developed enough probable cause to get a warrant to charge her.”
Wilson faces the felony charge of unlawful use of an electronic communication system to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity or other illegal activity and a misdemeanor charge of third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor, according to Clark.
This case comes on the heels of a recent Madison County trial involving a school volunteer who was charged with and pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Under the terms of the three-year probation, Brandon Clay Rousey is on a curfew that allows him to travel to and from work, will be monitored by an ankle bracelet and is barred from having any contact with minors, including visiting any school, attending a school-related activity or participating in a community group where minors are present.
In the case against Rousey, Madison Circuit Judge William G. Clouse prohibited the use of e-mail, text messaging, social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace and other electronic communication, but Rousey is allowed to own a cellular phone.
Clark emphasized how important it is for parents to pay attention to what is happening in their childrens’ lives to help prevent incidents like these.
“Parents need to not only pay attention to computer use, but also pay attention to your kids’ cell phones, especially if you’re paying the bill,” he said. “A lot of times, cell phones are used in illegal acts. If we establish probable cause, we will press charges.”
Wilson is scheduled to appear in Madison District Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@ richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
