911 Texting Feature Utilized By Juvenile, Man Arrested For Sex Abuse & Other Felonies

Travis L. Johnson (30), Brownsville.

Darren Doyle, story:
The "Text-to-911" feature worked for a teenage girl late last night (early this morning) to communicate with dispatch on the whereabouts of a domestic incident suspect, who faces sexual abuse charges and other felonies, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office stated that around 2AM on Monday morning, deputies responded to the 100 block of Indian Creek Road in Brownsville, in an attempt to locate Travis L. Johnson (30) to follow-up on an investigation of a physical domestic incident that had possibly taken place earlier in Warren County.

As law enforcement attempted to locate Johnson, a juvenile inside the residence utilized the Text-to-911 feature on her cellphone to alert dispatch that Johnson, a convicted felon, was inside the home with a handgun, the Sheriff's Office said. Law enforcement officers forced entry into the residence after numerous knocks reportedly went unanswered and Johnson was located and handcuffed to secure the scene. According to officials, the strong odor of marijuana was detected from inside the home and after consent to search was given, law enforcement discovered suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. The sheriff's office also stated that the juvenile who had alerted dispatch by text was also located inside the home and interviewed by law enforcement where she showed text messages from Johnson who had allegedly attempted to lure the juvenile into engaging in sexual conduct with him.

Travis L. Johnson was arrested on scene and charged with:

• Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree
• Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means
• Possession of a Handgun by Convicted Felon
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess (firearm enhanced)
• Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz)—1st Offense (firearm enhanced)
• Persistent Felony Offender I

Johnson was lodged in Hart County Jail.

The Sheriff's Office said that the investigation continues and further charges are pending. The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was also assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police.