BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County man was arrested for allegedly planning to meet and have sexual contact with a minor.

Jeffrey Bennett, 52, of Buckhannon, was arrested for soliciting a minor/traveling to engage in sex, a felony.

According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office filed by investigating officer Sgt. Marshall O’Connor with the Buckhannon Police Department, on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, Bennett agreed to meet with a female that he allegedly knew to be 15 of age at the Buckhannon City Park located on Park Street.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Bennett allegedly admitted to “bringing condoms and other sexual toys with the intent to engage in sexual activity with said 15-year-old.”

Upshur County Magistrate Mark Davis set bail at $25,000 cash only.

The potential penalty for a conviction of soliciting a minor/traveling to engage in sex is a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a determinate sentence of not less than five years nor more than 30 years or both.