TCSO make arrests in alleged sex crimes

By Chris Edwards
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TYLER COUNTY – Law enforcement made arrests in two separate incidents last week in alleged underage sex crimes.

According to Tyler County Sheriff Bryan Weatherford, deputies with the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a possible sexual assault crime in March and were able to gather several items of evidence.

Weatherford said that on May 2, deputies arrested a suspect, Kaden James Essary, an 18-year-old Spurger man, on the charge of sexual assault of a child.

Weatherford said that Essary admitted, in an interview with deputies and investigators prior to his arrest, that he had sexual intercourse with a minor. His victim had been interviewed by a team of professionals at the Garth House, a children’s advocacy center, Weatherford said, and also underwent a forensic examination.

Following the interview with law enforcement, Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Milton Powers issued an arrest warrant for Essary when the investigators presented him with a probable cause affidavit. Powers pre-set a bond of $100K on Essary.

Essary remains in custody at the Tyler County Justice Center.

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In another incident, TCSO arrested a 38-year-old Chester woman, Jennifer Louise Acrey, on several charges relating to underage sex crimes.

According to Weatherford, TCSO began investigating a report of an adult female (Acrey) who was allegedly sending nude photographs, via phone, to a male minor.

Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Ken Jobe issued a warrant to search Acrey’s phone, as well as an arrest warrant, after probable cause affadavits were presented by investigators.

Acrey was arrested on Saturday, May 7 for the sale/distribution/display of material to a minor, which is a class A misdemeanor offense.

Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Jim Moore set Acrey’s bonds at $125,000, and Weatherford said she could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

She agreed to talk with investigators and deputies, and confessed to multiple sexual encounters with the juvenile victim, as well as communicating by electronic messaging in a sexually explicit manner.

 Acrey is charged with sale/distribution/display of material to a minor; felony online solicitation of a minor; felony sexual performance by a child and felony sexual assault of a child.