LEE COUNTY – A Kentucky man has been arrested after a Lee County child reported inappropriate online communication to a school resource officer, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the child disclosed that an online acquaintance had begun communicating in an inappropriate manner. The child reported the concern to a school resource officer, who investigators said acted quickly to locate and preserve evidence connected to the case.
As the investigation continued, digital forensic evidence led authorities to identify 54-year-old Chad Eugene Brinkley of Ludlow, Kentucky.
Brinkley was arrested and charged with two counts of grooming. His bond was set at $75,000.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office credited the U.S. Marshals Service with helping apprehend Brinkley, who lives out of state. The department also thanked the Easterseals Mississippi Child Advocacy Center for assisting with the case.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation highlights the importance of children speaking up about concerning online behavior and adults reporting those concerns promptly.
Brinkley is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
