Newton Citizen

MURPHY, N.C. - Timothy Bryant, 43, of Covington was arrested by North Carolina authorities June 1 after he allegedly attempted to entice a young girl for sexual purposes after having chatted with her via the Internet.

Bryant was arrested in Cherokee County, N.C., and charged with attempted statutory rape, solicitation of a child by computer and attempted felonious restraint.

According to a news release from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, a "concerned citizen" notified authorities that Bryant was intending to entice the youngster from her family home.

After receiving that information, the child was removed from the residence and it was put under surveillance.

"(Bryant) was apprehended when he arrived at the residence of the juvenile at a prearranged time," the release states.

Further investigation revealed Bryant had rented a room at a nearby motel and had intended to stay over night before returning to Covington.

"Items of interest in the investigation were retrieved from the motel room and a subsequent search of Bryant's vehicle," the release states, but does not indicate what those items were.

It does state, however, that information was obtained that the young girl had met with Bryant before, and apparently that meeting took place in Gilmer County. The release states that information is being forwarded to law enforcement officials there for further investigation.

Bryant was initially placed on a $25,000 bond for attempted statutory rape and was confined to the Cherokee County Detention Facility. Based on further investigation, the charges of solicitation of a child by computer and attempted felonious restraint charges were added and an additional $25,000 bond was set, the release states.

News Channel 9 in Chattanooga, Tenn., contributed to this story.

Barbara Knowles can be reached at barbara.knowles@newtoncitizen.com.