By Joe Johnson
A man was arrested in Athens this week for attempting to engage a child in a sexual act,
according to Athens-Clarke County police.
Details about the incident for which 21-year-old Branden Lee Clontz was arrested Monday night could not be released because an investigation was ongoing, police said.
“What I can tell you is that Clontz is currently being detained for enticing a child (for indecent purposes) and Cruelty to Children – 3rd Degree,” said Capt. Christopher Nichols, commanding officer of the Criminal Investigations Division.
“The charges stem from a statement(s) that Clontz made to a juvenile victim in a public place,” Nichols said.
“No further information is currently available for this case due to the active nature of the investigation,” the officer said.
Under Georgia law, enticing a child for indecent purposes is defined as soliciting, enticing, or taking a child under the age of 16 years to any place for the purpose of molesting the child or committing indecent acts. Actual sexual contact with the child is not required in order to be charged with this offense.
Clontz on Saturday continued to be held at the Clarke County Jail in lieu of bond.
The residential address under which he was booked was the InTown Suites extended stay hotel on South Milledge Avenue, according to the jail’s website.