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LAYTON — Police have arrested a man after they say inappropriate text messages led to sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl after he helped her family move.
Michael Hadley, 33, met the girl and her family through a mutual friend when they needed help moving to a new home, Layton Police Sgt. Riley Richins said Friday.
Hadley and the 14-year-old girl allegedly started texting and messaging each other through social media, including exchanging photos, over a few weeks in November. After that, the two met at the teen's home where sexual activity occurred, Richins said.
It took police several weeks to track Hadley down after the relationship was reported. Once he was located, police found photos of the 14-year-old girl on Hadley's phone, according to Richins.
Hadley was booked into the Davis County Jail Thursday for investigation of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of a controlled substance. No charges have been filed in the case.
Protecting children has become increasingly difficult with the proliferation of personal digital devices and social media, the sergeant said.
"As a parent, you need to really watch your teenagers and their online activity to help try to keep them safe," he said. "Monitor the things they are doing online, who are they communicating with, who are they befriending. … There are online predators out there who are willing to take advantage of these young children."
Contributing: Mike Anderson
