A Texas man was sentenced to 5½ years in prison for reportedly instigating a sexual relationship with a Lewis County teenager over social networking smartphone apps.
Lavon S. Sellers, 32, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty on Sept. 23 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of luring. He was sentenced Oct. 20 to 66 months in prison.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office responded on Aug. 8, 2014, to a complaint that Sellers, then 30, was having a romantic relationship with a 14-year-old boy via phone and Internet.
The boy reportedly told deputies he and Sellers met over the “Hot or Not” application and communicated using Kik Messenger and Skype.
The boy reportedly told the Sellers he was 16, but later admitted to being 14. He told deputies he and Sellers had sexual interactions over video, and said he thought Sellers had plans to come to Washington.
In February 2015, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed through an investigation that a phone taken as evidence in the case contained photos including child exploitation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to court documents. Sellers was charged with the crimes last month.
Sellers will be required to register as a sex offender.
