Andrew Tyler Thomason, an 18 year-old Union University student, pleaded not guilty to solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor at the Jackson City Court Thursday morning.
The freshman was arrested Wednesday for exchanging nude photos with a 14-year-old girl. Solicitation of exploitation of a minor is a Class B felony. Thomason's next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11.
According to an arrest affidavit, Thomason of Jackson solicited the girl through an online mobile application called "Kik" on July 29. Police said the girl sent at least three nude images to Thomason through the application, Jacksonsun reports.
During an interview with investigator Terry Buckley, Thomason admitted to have received the images and sent the girl nude images of himself. He was not aware of the girl's age, but knew she was a freshman in a local high school.
"An adult and a minor cannot engage in any type of sexual activity," Capt. Tyreece Miller said. "Once you put something on the internet it's out there forever. That is why investigators encourage people to limit what they put on social media," wbbjtv reports.
Sgt. T.J. King with the Madison County Sheriff's Office said that it is impossible to keep an eye on all the apps being introduced in the market.
Miller encourages parents to keep a tab on their child's phone. "There could be things going on right up under your nose and you not even realize it," Miller said.
Thomason, a graduate of Trinity Christian Academy, has signed on to play soccer at the Union University this fall. Union University spokesperson Mark Kahler said that Thomason is a commuter student and started class Tuesday. He has been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
Thomason is currently free on $15,000 bond and he has no prior arrests with the department.
