MISSISSIPPI — A 21-year-old Heidelberg man has been arrested on charges of child exploitation and kidnapping following an incident earlier this week, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Authorities said they received a complaint Monday that Lafette Shelby had been messaging a minor through social media.
Investigators found communications indicating a meeting had been arranged between Shelby and the minor. Shelby allegedly forced the child into his vehicle and held her against her will.
Shelby was arrested Friday and faces charges of child exploitation and kidnapping. Officials noted that he was already out on bond for a separate sexual misconduct case involving a child.
Sheriff’s Department officials warned parents to monitor their children’s online interactions. “There are dangerous people using social media platforms to contact children,” they said.
