TUPELO, MS – A 34-year-old man has been arrested following an investigation into disturbing online communications involving an underage victim.
John T. Shirley, a resident of Tupelo, was taken into custody on April 22 after the Tupelo Police Department executed a capias warrant issued by the Lee County Circuit Court. The arrest comes in response to a case opened earlier this year involving the alleged attempted enticement of a minor.
Shirley is now facing two serious felony charges:
- One count of Attempted Enticement of a Child to Meet for Sexual Purposes
- One count of Attempted Enticement of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexual Conduct
According to police, the case originated from a report filed in early 2025, in which Shirley was accused of using digital platforms to engage in communication with a minor. Authorities say he intended to lure the child into an in-person meeting for sexual activity. Investigators also allege that Shirley attempted to coerce the child into producing sexually explicit images, marking the situation as both exploitative and dangerous.
Upon further investigation, police obtained sufficient evidence to present the case to the Lee County Circuit Court, which approved the issuance of a capias warrant. On Monday, officers served the warrant, taking Shirley into custody without incident.
The court has since set Shirley’s bond at $50,000. He remains in custody as the case moves forward through the legal system.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who use technology to exploit children,” said a spokesperson for the Tupelo Police Department. “Online enticement is a serious crime, and we encourage parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity.”
Due to the nature of the charges and the involvement of a minor, further information—including details of the suspect’s online communications and any potential evidence recovered—has not yet been released to the public. Officials noted that the investigation remains active and that additional charges could be filed if more evidence emerges.
Shirley’s case is now pending trial in Lee County Circuit Court. The date for the next court appearance has not yet been announced.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this or similar cases to contact the Tupelo Police Department. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through local crime tip lines.
The safety and well-being of children remain a top priority for law enforcement, and officials continue to warn parents and guardians about the growing dangers of online predators.