A Monticello man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that he sent sexually explicit messages and photos to an underage girl.
Wayne County Sheriff Tim Catron says Deputy James Barnett began the investigation Sunday after receiving a complaint from a family member of the juvenile and obtaining her cellphone.
Investigators say the messages began August 15 and included numerous texts and photos. Authorities identified the suspect as Shawn E. Lawhorn and obtained the cellphone allegedly used to communicate with the juvenile.
Lawhorn was arrested shortly before 4:30 Monday afternoon. He is charged with two counts of possessing matter portraying the sexual performance of a minor between the ages of 12 and 18, along with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains ongoing, and Lawhorn’s cellphone will be forensically examined for possible deleted evidence.