By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
A man is facing a rape charge after allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old over social media in Hays.
Following an incident that was first reported Feb. 11 to the Hays Police Department, which allegedly occurred on Dec. 29, an investigation was launched.
That investigation led to a search warrant being issued for the home of Christopher Leroy Boese, 19, according to Hays Deputy Police Chief Brian Dawson.
During initial contact with Boese, Dawson said, drugs were observed in plain view and Boese was detained on suspicion of drug possession and possession of paraphernalia.
Subsequent questioning of Boese and statements taken from the 15-year-old victim led to an affidavit being issued for sex crimes.
He was then arrested on suspicion of rape, criminal sodomy, electronic solicitation of a minor and sexual exploitation of a child, according to Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees.
A no-contact order with the alleged victim was also put in place.
Boese remains in custody in Ellis County jail in lieu of a $150,000 bond.
Dawson said it should serve as a reminder to parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of social media.
"People may not be who they are portraying themselves as on the internet," Dawson said. "They could be telling kids that they are younger and asking kids to send photographs. Some kids are doing it then they are (potentially) meeting up with these people.
"Parents need to be talking to their kids about these dangers," he said.