Area school employee arrested on child solicitation charge

A Taylor schools employee and basketball coach was arrested on a child solicitation charge.

On September 24, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office patrol division was dispatched to the 3000 block of County Road 300 South for report of harrassment at a residence.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that several adults had shown up to confront Randy “Scott” Sullivan over inappropriate photos and videos that were sent to a 15-year old female relative.

The case was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division. The next day, detectives began investigating and forensically processing the victim’s iPhone. Several inappropriate text messages, pictures and videos were found that, according to the Howard County Sheriff’s office press release, clearly originated from inside the house where Scott lives. It was also found that the number used belonged to a phone registered to Scott.

On September 26, a forensic interview was conducted by a specialist with the victim and other investigators. They determined that the victim had been groomed by a trusted adult for a long period of time. Later that day, investigators asked Scott to come in for an interview and he declined.

Investigators say Scott drove away and no one knew where he was for over a day. However, when he returned, they found a handwritten letter that contained apologies to friends, family and the victim for letting everyone down and for things getting out of control.

A warrant was issued for Scott. Deputies search for him at various locations. At 5:30 p.m., Scott turned himself into the Howard County Jail.

Charges in the warrant include sexual battery and dissemination of matter harmful to minors, both Level 6 felonies. The child solicitation charge is a Level 5 felony.