Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — An 18-year-old Thief River Falls man is facing a felony charge after a report claimed he sent explicit images and messages to a 15-year-old girl.
Charge Filed After April 6 Report
According to the complaint, the sheriff’s office received the report on April 6. Jarrett James McKay, 18, of Thief River Falls, was later charged with felony electronic solicitation of a child. He was arrested.
Authorities said the case centers on messages and images allegedly sent on March 18. Investigators claim McKay sent multiple sexually explicit photos to the girl. The complaint also states he sent messages that asked for secrecy.
Those messages allegedly said he could get in serious trouble if anyone found out. The complaint also says he made personal comments about the girl’s body.
Search Warrant and Investigation
Investigators later carried out a search warrant at McKay’s home. According to the complaint, the background in one of the images matched a wall inside his bedroom.
Authorities also said one image included emojis that appeared to suggest silence or secrecy. Investigators used that and other evidence as part of the case.
The girl told investigators she had known McKay for years. She said they had only spent time together in group settings. She also said there had been no earlier sexual communication between them.
According to the complaint, she said she did not ask McKay to send the images.
What the Complaint Alleges
The complaint says McKay knew the girl was 15 years old. Investigators said he admitted he knew his actions were wrong. The complaint also says he later sent a message saying he would get in trouble if she told anyone.
At this stage, the charge is an allegation. The case will now move through the court process. Prosecutors must still prove the charge in court.
Cases involving minors and digital messages often move quickly once records, phones, and image evidence are reviewed. More details may come out during future court hearings.
Readers can follow local court updates through official county records and Minnesota court filings when available.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.