PAOLI – A 20-year-old Paoli man was arrested on Thursday, May 29, after a missing 14-year-old female was located in the area.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on May 29, officers received notification that a 14-year-old female who was reported missing might be in Paoli. Officer Garrison subsequently located the female at a local motel with a 20-year-old male. Information suggesting a possible sexual assault prompted officers to detain the male at the scene.
Detective Z. Cook was called in and, through an interrogation, obtained a full confession from the male. It was determined that the male had engaged in various sex acts with the juvenile over four days.
The juvenile was transported to the hospital for treatment and care. The male, identified as Shane Messer, 20, was transported to the Orange County Jail and booked on charges including rape, sexual misconduct with a minor, criminal confinement, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
