A Mt. Hermon man was arrested earlier this month, in connection with sexual crimes against children, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Haley said that the WPSO recently received a complaint about a Washington Parish man sending inappropriate text messages to two young girls. The WPSO then began an investigation, which led to the arrest of Karl R. Kirksey, Jr., 54, a resident of Floyd Grabert Road in Mt. Hermon.

The investigation determined that not only had Kirksey sent inappropriate text messages to the two young juveniles, but also he had committed sexual battery on them, Haley said.

On Wednesday, Aug. 2, Kirksey was booked into the Washington Parish Jail, charged with two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and two counts of sexual battery. His bond was set at $75,000 and he was released on Thursday, Aug. 3, after posting bond.

Haley said that this very serious crime remains under investigation. Any parent or guardian who has concerns about any contact their child may have had with Kirksey is asked to call WPSO Det. Demmie Rice at 985-661-2021, extension 2004.

Due to the very sensitive nature of this investigation, and in an attempt to protect the identity of the families involved, no additional information will be provided, Haley said.

“Such crimes against young children rank among the most despicable acts imaginable,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “As a father and grandfather, my blood boils when I hear of such reprehensible and repulsive crimes committed against innocent children. Thank you, Detective Rice, for putting Mr. Kirksey in the Washington Parish Jail.”