A Covington man is facing charges of Aggravated Statutory Rape and Solicitation/Exploitation of a Minor following his arrest by the Covington Police Department. The suspect, Jesse Hernandez, 42, was taken into custody after an investigation into his alleged sexual relations with a 16-year-old female from Covington.
On July 19, Hernandez was interviewed by the Covington Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division and admitted to his role in the allegations. The reported incident took place at the suspect's residence on Holly Grove Road. According to a social media post from the Covington Police Department, as a result of the ongoing investigation, additional charges against Hernandez may still be to come forth.
Hernandez's bond was set at $150,000 by Judge M.O. Eckel, III, who also ordered that Hernandez have no contact with any complainants or victims related to the case. Slated to appear in Tipton County General Sessions Court on August 19, the investigation spearheaded by the Covington Police Department has also benefited from the collaboration with the Tennessee Homeland Security and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
In a statement, Chief Donna Turner praised the partnership, stating, "I commend the partnership with agents from the Tennessee Homeland Security and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation who worked closely with CPD analyst and detectives to uncover the disturbing facts in this case." She also encouraged other potential victims to reach out to the CID and reassured them that there are resources available to support victims and their families. The department is urging anyone with relevant information on similar incidents to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 901-475-1261, or send tips via the department's Facebook messenger or through the City of Covington website.
