Man charged with attempted unlawful transaction with a minor in Allen County

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. – One man is facing multiple charges in Allen County involving an alleged online attempt to solicit a 14-year-old.

According to authorities, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, an investigation initiated by the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force with assistance from the Allen County-Scottsville Crime Task Force and the Kentucky State Police, resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Skyler Minnicks of Franklin.

Authorities say during an undercover online investigation, Minnicks allegedly communicated with a 14-year-old about sexual activity while being made aware of the teen’s age.

Officials say Minnicks allegedly also discussed providing narcotics during a planned encounter.

According to detectives, Minnicks traveled from Franklin, Kentucky to a prearranged location in Scottsville, where he was taken into custody.

During his arrest, authorities say they found around 5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, along with another suspected illegal drug and a backpack containing sexual paraphernalia and restraints, lotion, snacks and other items discussed during the investigation.

Authorities say Minnicks is charged with first-degree attempted unlawful transaction with a minor – illegal controlled substance, under 16 years of age, first-degree attempted unlawful transaction with a minor – illegal sexual activity, under 16 years of age, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine and second-degree possession of a controlled substance.

He is additionally charged with operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license and was served with a probation violation warrant out of Warren County.

Minnicks remains at the Allen County Detention Center. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Allen County-Scottsville Crime Task Force stated it gives special recognition to the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, whose investigators initiated the case and conducted “critical undercover investigative work that ultimately led to the arrest.”

The task force further stated, “Their persistence, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental throughout this investigation. We also sincerely thank the Kentucky State Police for their outstanding assistance and support during the operation. This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when local and state law enforcement agencies work together. The Allen County-Scottsville Crime Task Force and our law enforcement partners have zero tolerance for individuals who attempt to prey upon or sexually exploit children. Protecting juveniles remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue working aggressively with our partner agencies to identify, investigate, and hold offenders accountable.”