On Wednesday July 14, 2021, the Parsons Police Department was notified about a possible fight. When officers arrived, it was reported to them that a 21-year-old man had tried to solicit sex from a 15-year-old female.

The juveniles mother reported to officers that there was a conversation between her 15-year-old child and the suspect via social media using the app Tic Tok. The conversation started out innocent but then turned graphic in nature. This conversation led to the two meeting at an undisclosed location. The Tic Tok messages painted a picture of what took place and led officers to more interviews with the victim, the parents, and the suspect.

John David Coates, 21 of Parsons, was arrested for suspicion of Indecent Liberties with a Child, Criminal Sodomy, Indecent Solicitation of a Child. Coates was taken into custody without incident and is being held waiting for his first appearance in front of a Labette County District Court Judge.

Lieutenant Sherri McGuire said, "Parents should monitor their child's social media accounts for content in messages. Not all media platforms have messaging available, but most do. Keeping track of your child's accounts is not an invasion of their privacy but more of a means of protection for their safety. Sexual predators will solicit children of all ages for sex and photographs through any available means. We all want to keep our children safe but often times relax monitoring content in the name of privacy as they get older. Teens should be taught and aware of sexual predators and their abilities with technology. Nothing on social media will stay private forever."

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

# # # # #