SEXTS TO TEEN BOY

POLICE are investigating a public figure for sending inappropriate text messages to a 15-year-old boy. The man recently unsuccessfully contested a post in a Tobago election.

Two screenshots of the chat first circulated on social media on Wednesday morning, showing the man asking the student to accept money in exchange for oral sex.

Snr Supt Jeffrey George told Newsday the boy’s mother reported it to the police and the Child Protection Unit had launched an investigation.

Speaking to Newsday on Wednesday, the child’s mother said she was now worried about other vulnerable boys in the area, saying, “You know how these young people like nice things. I am glad I have a close relationship with my son and he has a strong head, but I am worried about those who are vulnerable.

“This man knows my son from since he was a toddler; he watched him grow up and now to see he is preying on him is just crazy. Imagine what he has done before with other boys. I hear stories about him, but it’s only when he approached my son with this is when I believe.”

The woman said she was appalled by the paedophile behaviour of the individual and is demanding the police do a thorough investigation, as the man worked with a community youth group.

“What hurt me is that he told my son he would pay him. I was studying: next thing he was able to manipulate my son to take the money from him in exchange for what he want. That would have destroyed my son’s life...This same individual is a mentor and leader for a group in the area, because he came to me for sponsorship. I’m worried for these children now. I have faith the police will look into this.

“The guy is saying his phone was hacked, but if it was hacked, why didn’t he come to me as the parent and explain after so much time has passed?”

The mother said her her son tried to tell her about it two weeks ago, but did not have the courage to reveal everything.

“My son had to go to Trinidad, so he didn’t get time to tell me exactly what he wanted to talk to me about, because there were people around. It was his friend who asked me if I heard about it. I called my son and that is when I was told about the situation and see the screenshots.

I wanted to cry at first, just by the thought that a man texting my son for sex.”

She added, “I made a report immediately, because I don’t know who other little boy he might be texting or touching. I showed the officer the text and they were shocked. I didn’t want it to reach this far but if he has to be exposed – then let it happen. I didn’t want to put my son under any pressure with the publicity.”

The mother implored other parents to be aware of what is taking place in their children’s lives.

“You must watch your children, because, as I said, he knows him; don’t trust even family with your boy children. Children like nice things, they might see a shoe and want it, and he might fool them with that. Even worse, he might make a (sex) ring and continue fooling these children for his pleasures. There are some children not going to their parents, they will hide it. But I’m glad it happened in a way where parents can see this as another wake-up call.”

Speaking to Newsday with the permission of his mother, the child said he thought it was a joke initially, but then became uncomfortable when the man offered money for oral sex. He said he sent the messages to friends before going to his mother.