Local Resident Charged w/Indecent Solicitation of a Child

Altamont resident Jerold Dean Jones has been charged with indecent solicitation of a child after an alleged incident involving a teenaged girl.

(JEROLD JONES)

The 45-year-old Jones was arrested Tuesday after the incident. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said it's alleged that Jones made sexual advances to the 14-year-old girl when she approached him in response to information about a job opportunity. She reportedly went with Jones in a vehicle, but when they pulled up to a local motel and Jones got out to register for a room, the girl got out of the vehicle and notified a family member for help.

Jones was convicted in Indiana and served prison time for child pornography, and is a registered sex offender.

During a court appearance Thursday morning, Judge Kimberly Koester set Jones' bond at $150,000 and he was given time to hire an attorney. His first court appearance with counsel was set for 10am on June 7.