Franklin business owner arrested in child solicitation
Published 2:03 pm Tuesday, August 26, 2014
FRANKLIN—On Aug. 20, detectives arrested a Franklin man after serving search warrants on his 600 block Hayden Drive residence and business on South Street, said Capt. Tim Whitt, spokesman for the Franklin Police Department.
Robert Edward Lyons Jr., 48, was charged with one count contributing to the delinquency of a minor; three counts of prostitution, solicitation of a minor less than 16 years of age; and four counts of possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon.
Whitt said he could not say if Lyons, who owns the Lyons Barber Shop, did anything more than solicit sex from a juvenile female. He added that the investigation is ongoing, and evidence and information collected during the search indicates the possibility of there being more victim.
Because the investigation is in progress, Whitt said, he could not release more details at this time.
Detectives would like to hear from any other potential victims, or anyone who feels they may have information related to this event. Contact Det. Corporal Karl Boone or Det. Randall Bailey at 562-8597.
Lyons is being held without bond at Western Tidewater Regional Jail.