Sex offender in custody with possible connection to Carroll Co. attempted abduction case
CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A Lafayette man convicted of child solicitation is a person of interest in an attempted abduction in Carroll County.
Carroll County Sheriff’s deputies believe 31-year-old Kevin Jameson of Lafayette is a person of interest in Tuesday’s attempted abduction, and he is now behind bars in Tippecanoe County.
“An individual in a black jeep with red doors had approached her and was attempting to entice her into his vehicle,” Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby said.
For the parents of an 11-year-old girl riding her bike in a rural part of Carroll County Tuesday evening, that fear almost became a reality.
“She had indicated he had offered her $10 as an additional enticement,” Leazenby said.
The sheriff said the attempted abduction happened on County Road 100 North, just west of State Road 29.
The day after releasing descriptions of the vehicle and person of interest, authorities got a call from Lafayette police who located a matching vehicle and its driver, Jameson.
“He provided information which was generated into our reports and went back to his parole officer which was considered a violation of his parole,” said Leazenby.
Jameson was arrested Thursday evening in Tippecanoe County for violating parole. He has prior drug charges and was convicted of child solicitation in 2008, for which he will serve a lifetime on the sex offender registry.
Leazenby said although charges have not been filed for the attempted abduction, he is positive they have the person of interest in the case.
“This individual could have obviously still been out on the street this weekend, and who knows what may have developed there,” said Leazenby. “So I’m glad it came to at least this conclusion, at this point.”
Leazenby said the incident is a terrifying reminder of the reality all parents must face.
“As a parent, in particular, be on your toes,” said Leazenby. “Be aware of what’s around the next corner. It’s sad that our society has gotten to that stage, but it’s reality.”
Leazenby said Carroll County Prosecutor Rob Ives is still evaluating the case. He said he wants to thank the public for its help providing information on the case.
Jameson is being held without bond in the Tippecanoe County Jail.