Counsellor admits sex with a 13-year-old in her care after police tap phone
A woman has admitted having sex with a 13-year-old boy she was counselling.
Payton Shires allegedly confessed after she was caught out in a three-way call with police and the boy's mum. Investigators found the disturbing footage of her allegedly having sex with the minor after the boy's worried worried parent reported the matter in September.
Shires, 24, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, was charged by Columbus Police with having unlawful sexual conduct with a minor according to reports by ABC6. The boy's mother began suspecting Shires of predatory behaviour when she spotted phone text messages between the counsellor and her son who was receiving counselling.
His mum contacted cops on September 27 after seeing a message which asked the boy whether he had 'deleted the videos' and if anyone had seen them. Detectives were told they had sex at least twice in different locations in Columbus.
She allegedly admitted having sex with a 13-year-old boy (Columbus Police)Officers arranged a three-way call between them, the boy's mother and Shires, where the counsellor reportedly admitted the sexual relationship.
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Custody followed for Shires and police say further charges could be brought against the social worker in the coming days. They released a mugshot of Shires and state records show her counselling license was issued on June 12, 2023, by the National Youth Advocate Program. where she previously worked.
It supports families in the foster care system and the organisation would not disclose why she stopped working for them, pointing to confidentiality and the ongoing police case.
"Protecting children is everyone's responsibility," program representatives said in a statement. "The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is saddened by the situation involving one of our former employees and a young person served by our organization.
"NYAP has reported the situation to Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) and is collaborating with them and the Columbus Police Department on this case."
The accused, who is being held at the Franklin County Corrections Center, appeared in court on Friday before being bailed by Judge Mike McAllister for more than £400,000 ($500,000).
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