Tyrone Boyd

   A Kemper County man thought a 12-year-old girl he’d allegedly had inappropriate communications with was waiting on him at an interstate exit area. But instead, a group of Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department investigators and deputies emerged to meet him.

     Chief Dep. Ward Calhoun said the stakeout Wednesday night at the Lost Gap exit on Interstate 20 resulted in the arrest of Tyrone Boyd, 32, of DeKalb, who is now charged with child exploitation. Boyd was placed on $25,000 bond and is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center in downtown Meridian.

    Calhoun said the parents of the little girl became concerned about who their daughter was conversing with on social media and on her cell phone. Upon going through her devices and computer they told sheriff’s investigators they found evidence of inappropriate conversations between their daughter and Boyd. At that time, sheriff investigators trained in child exploitation cases took over.

    “A meeting was arranged and we staked out the location,” Calhoun said.

    At about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Calhoun said Boyd showed up at the location. Boyd was immediately taken into custody without further incident.

    “This is a prime example of parents getting involved in what their children are doing,” said Calhoun. “With today’s social media devices and systems, it is more important now than ever before for parents to keep track of their children’s activities and who they are contacting. Child predators will use every means to get at your child.”

    Boyd’s case will be presented to the next available grand jury for indictment consideration.