A 17-year-old faces child molestation and other charges after Statesboro police surprised him in a girl’s bedroom Wednesday.

According to a statement from Statesboro Police Capt. Jared Akins, SPD officers were notified by a concerned parent that her minor daughter may have had inappropriate contact with an adult male. “The man had arranged to sneak into the juvenile’s bedroom that afternoon,” Akins said. “The mother and juvenile went to SPD to file a report while officers went to the apartment to clean it up.”

In the apartment, Christopher Grant, 17, of Gordon St., was found hiding under the juvenile’s bed and detained, Akins said. Additionally, he was found to be in illegal possession of a handgun that had its serial number obliterated.

Akins said detectives interviewed the juvenile, other witnesses and Grant. As a result of the investigation, Grant was transported to the Bulloch County Jail and charged with aggravated child molestation, sodomy, possession of an article with an altered serial number, possession of a handgun by a person under 18 years of age and criminal trespass.

“This case highlights the importance of parental involvement in children’s lives and activities, particularly in social interactions and on social media platforms,” Akins said. “The parent in this case noticed suspicious activity and immediately reported it to law enforcement.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or has knowledge of such an incident is advised to contact The Teal House, Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center, located at 209 S. College St., Statesboro, GA 30458. The phone number is (912) 489-6060 and the website is www.srsac.org. The 24-hour crisis line is (866) 489-2225.

Information regarding Grant or the case can be provided to Lead Detective Dustin Cross at (912) 764-9911 or by submitting an anonymous tip through our website.