INDIAN TRAIL, NC — A 27-year-old Kansas man is facing multiple charges after investigators say he exchanged inappropriate messages with an underage girl on social media and tried to lure her out of North Carolina.
Joseph Sims, of Olathe, Kansas, was arrested last week at his home on South Kaw Drive. The Union County Sheriff’s Office is currently charging him with Soliciting a Child by Computer and Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor.
Detectives say they began investigating the incident back in November 2017 when the teenage victim’s parents discovered she was communicating with Sims on Snapchat. Officials say the teen had exchanged numerous inappropriate photos with Sims, who was allegedly also trying to lure her to Kansas.
“This case is a perfect example of why parents must be aware of what their kids are doing and who they are talking to on social media. This young girl could have disappeared from her home and anything could have happened,” says Sheriff Eddie Cathey. “Our investigators followed this case through and identified a predator halfway across the country who was able to manipulate her into doing things that could have gotten her hurt.”
Detectives say they also seized several electronic devices during Sims’ arrest, which are currently undergoing forensic investigation.
Sims is being held in Johnson County, Kansas, and is awaiting extradition to Union County.
