Acting on information provided by concerned parents, the detective division of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office recently began an investigation into allegations that a Franklinton man had been engaged in sexual behavior with juveniles, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley.

Haley said that the initial investigation resulted in the arrest of Jonathan D. Young, 34, a resident of McKay Lane in Franklinton. Young was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on Wednesday, Feb. 7, charged with two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. He was released on Thursday, Feb. 8, after posting a $35,000 bond.

On Friday, Feb. 9, Young was arrested again after more juveniles came forth with allegations, Haley said. He was returned to the Washington Parish Jail charged with 10 counts of molestation of juveniles. He remains in jail with bond on the new charges set at $225,000.

On Monday, an additional juvenile came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, Haley said. Young was arrested again Monday afternoon for sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Bond was scheduled to be set this week on the new charges.

The investigation into allegations against Young continues and it is suspected that other incidents may have occurred in Tangipahoa Parish and Concordia Parish, as well as Franklin County, Mississippi, Haley said. Any person who may have knowledge of other crimes committed by Young is asked to contact Det. Demmie Rice at (985) 839-3434, ext. 2004.

Sheriff Randy Seal commented on the recent arrests.

“This is so tragic for each of these young victims as well as their families,” Seal said. “If your child has had contact with Young, please question them carefully about the relationship. If you have any suspicion of inappropriate behavior with your child, please contact Det. Rice.”