Police make arrests in two crimes against minors

Electronic devices used
in both exchanges
with juveniles

By Jody Norwood
Tribune-Courier News Editor
jnorwood@tribunecourier.com

MARSHALL COUNTY – Authorities made two separate arrests in two weeks for crimes against minors involving electronic devices and soliciting or attempting to solicit sex.

A Louisiana man was arrested Thursday after deputies Cory Curtner and Dennis Lewis responded to the Comfort Inn in Draffenville in reference to a juvenile possibly engaged in sexual acts with an adult. According to reports, the grandfather of the juvenile victim reported he was en route to the hotel to confront an adult male he believed was in the company of his underage granddaughter.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with Joshua S. Tucker, 27. Tucker, of Minden, La., told deputies he had met the juvenile online using the social networking site MySpace and had driven nearly 500 miles to meet her in person. Tucker said he was told by the juvenile that she was 19, when in fact she was 15.

Deputies found a concealed firearm in Tucker’s vehicle leading to an initial charge of carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He was taken to the Marshall County Sheriff’s office and interviewed by Detective Sgt. Matt Hilbrecht. During the interview, Tucker stated that over a two-day period, the pair had sexual intercourse approximately four times. Evidence recovered from the hotel room led authorities to believe the pair had sex five times.

The female juvenile was also interviewed, admitting the pair had engaged in sexual intercourse during the two-day period.

In addition to the weapons charge, Tucker was charged with five counts of third degree rape. He was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center. Tucker is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Marshall County Circuit Court.

In Kentucky, anyone 21 years of age or older engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under age 16 can be charged with third degree rape, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.

The arrest came less than two weeks after an unrelated case in Calvert City where a Benton man was arrested for sending text messages to a juvenile regarding sex, alcohol and taking nude photos.

Steven Fridley, 28, allegedly messaged the juvenile and made arrangements to meet at her Calvert City residence. Upon arrival, Fridley was confronted by the juvenile’s parents, who contacted police.

Calvert City police officer Hoye Filbeck’s investigation produced both Fridley’s cell phone and a prophylactic from his vehicle. Fridley was taken into custody and charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities.

Deputy Samantha Mighell assisted with the investigation.