PATRICK COUNTY, VA – A Patrick Springs man was arrested on Thursday morning after an investigation into several sexual crimes against a juvenile.
Richard Clay Fitzgerald, 35, of Hardie Stone Road, has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of solicitation of child pornography.
The investigation started when authorities received a complaint alleging that Fitzgerald sent a juvenile an inappropriate message on social media, according to the Patrick County Sheriff's Office.
It was discovered that message was received and handled in a different jurisdiction.
After continued investigation, investigators say they were able to determine that Fitzgerald was allegedly involved in having inappropriate sexual misconduct with the same juvenile, several years ago in the county.
"There is no statute of limitations when it comes to sexual crimes on a juvenile”, PCSO Lieutenant Steve Austin said in a Friday morning press release. "We take these allegations very seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”
Fitzgerald is being held without bond in the Patrick County Jail
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are likely.
If you have any information about this case, call the Sheriff's Office at 276-694-3161 or Investigator Faith Hubbard at 276-222-0460.
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