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Franklin police arrested a man Tuesday, Feb. 27, on multiple charges, including aggravated sexual battery of a minor.

Franklin Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Porti stated on Friday, March 1, that Jason Christopher Joyner, 36, of Southampton County, was arrested in Franklin on Feb. 27. The following charges are listed on the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System for offenses allegedly committed by Joyner on Oct. 19, 2020: Code of Virginia 18.2-67.3 aggravated sexual battery of a victim less than 13 years old, and Code of Virginia 18.2-370.1 taking indecent liberties with child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship.

The Online Case Information System also listed an offense allegedly committed by Joyner on Oct. 19, 2021: Code of Virginia 18.2-67.3, aggravated sexual battery by parent/13-17.

“The two 2020 offenses were the ones that occurred here in Franklin,” Porti said. “The 2021 offense occurred in Southampton County after the victim moved there. That charge was from the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office.”

Porti confirmed that the Joyner arrest had a connection to the investigation into 32-year-old Matthew Ferguson of Zuni, who was arrested Feb. 7 on multiple charges, including aggravated sexual battery of a minor less than 13 years of age.

“During the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office investigation into Matthew Ferguson, information was shared with detectives of the City of Franklin Police Department,” Porti stated. “As a result of the investigation, Jason (Christopher) Joyner was charged with a violation of 18.2-67.3, aggravated sexual battery, for a past offense committed within the city of Franklin. When the warrant our detectives obtained was served, we also served warrants the sheriff’s office had obtained.”

Porti said Joyner was held without bond.