Authorities in Scottsville say a 33-year-old Tennessee man is in custody following an investigation involving a 15-year-old, with local police, county deputies and federal agents all on the case.
The suspect, identified as Tyler Trivette of Mountain City, Tennessee, faces Kentucky state charges that include third-degree rape, procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, and unlawful transaction with a minor. The Scottsville Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff's Office and the FBI assisted in the arrest. Investigators are keeping a tight lid on further details, citing the need to protect the juvenile involved while the probe remains active.
Arrest and charges
According to WBKO, Trivette was taken into custody Thursday in Scottsville and booked on the three counts. The outlet reports that investigators described the case as ongoing and declined to elaborate, pointing to the age of the teen and the sensitivity of the allegations.
Investigation and privacy
WZTV reports that authorities stressed they would not release additional details at this stage in order to protect the child's privacy. The station noted the arrest grew out of a multi-agency investigation involving local law enforcement and federal partners, and that the charges remain allegations pending action in court.
Legal implications
Under Kentucky law, rape in the third degree is defined in KRS 510.060 as conduct that can apply when an adult 21 or older has sexual intercourse with someone under 16, and it is classified as a Class D felony. The statute on unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree, KRS 530.064, allows that offense to be charged as a Class B felony when the victim is under 16, with stiffer penalties if physical injury occurs. The full text of those laws is available at KRS 510.060 and KRS 530.064.
Trivette is expected to appear in Allen County court. Officials have not said whether the charges have been presented to a grand jury or what bond, if any, has been set. As WZTV notes, all counts are allegations at this point, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
