A Webster man is accused of trying to lure a 15-year-old boy into an illegal sexual encounter. The Webster Police Department reports that Lieutenant Gordon Wentworth was informed of the incident while on traffic duty during the Main Street Trick or Treat event, a popular annual gathering.
According to the police department's social media post, the boy reported that an older man, identified as 59-year-old John Kelley, approached him in the parking lot of Jimmy’s Convenience Store. The man allegedly waved the boy over, queried about his sexual orientation, and suggested they "hang out," invitations which the central youth declined. The vigilant boy recorded the conversation and captured the license plate of the vehicle, providing key evidence to the authorities.
Consequent to the juvenile's report, law enforcement officers located Kelley at his residence in Dudley. Webster Police Lieutenant Wentworth and Detective Tim Whiting conducted an initial interview, where Kelley admitted to the encounter and further, to making a disturbing phone call to the youth. "After speaking with Detectives, it was clear that Kelley intended to entice the juvenile into his car for some type of sexual encounter," detailed the police report.
Charges have been filed against Kelley, including enticement of a child under 16 for sex or violence and assault and battery, related to an alleged inappropriate gesture during a handshake with the juvenile. After a follow-up interview, police confirmed Kelley’s intentions, leading to his arrest. His bail was initially set at $5,000 and remained unchanged after the arraignment.
