PINEVILLE — A Middlesboro man is behind bars after being charged with 11 counts of first degree sodomy of a child.

Jason Griffey, 28 of Middlesboro, was arrested Friday morning and charged with 11 counts of sodomy in the first degree (victim under 12 years of age).

The accused is currently being held in the Bell County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

The arrest occurred after a parent brought in a complaint in the Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) about possible improper activity involving the suspect.

After gathering enough information, MPD Officer Josh Pratt arrested Griffey. The current charges allege that Griffey engaged with two minors on eleven different occurrences over the past few months.

Recently, the police received a search warrant that produced more evidence against Griffey. That evidence has been sent to Frankfort for examination.

The case is still being investigated with more charges pending.

Griffey is set to appear in court on October 25 for a preliminary hearing.

An arrest is an accusation only. Those arrested are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via e-mail at acloud@heartlandpublications.com.