BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on 16 counts including child molesting.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested 60-year-old Tommy Jenkins after they were alerted to the crimes on November 16, 2022.
The crimes were committed between October 4, 2013, through March 2022.
Jenkins is facing charges of child molesting, vicarious sexual gratification, child solicitation, and dissemination of matter harmful to minors
According to a probable cause affidavit, on November 16th the Department of Child Services filed their report with investigators.
Forensic interviews were conducted with five children ranging from age 9 to 16. All five children reported Jenkins had harmed them.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Jenkins was arrested on Thursday, December 8. Judge Plummer issued protective orders for all the victims.
Jenkins appeared in Lawrence County Superior Court I before Judge John Plummer III on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the crimes. A bond hearing is scheduled for December 19th at 1 p.m. A pretrial is scheduled for March 15, 2023. Jenkins has hired Lozano Law Office to represent him.
