Alleged child predator caught after victim’s dad responds to Facebook messages
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A Jeffersonville man was arrested after allegedly soliciting a child via Facebook, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin said the 13-year-old child’s father intercepted communications on his child’s Facebook page from Brandon Ruff, 29, of Jeffersonville.
The child’s father told authorities he pretended to be the child and Ruff then came to the family’s home. Once Ruff got there, the child’s father held him at the home until authorities arrived, Sheriff Goodin said.
Upon further investigation, authorities found Ruff had made friends with the child and had allegedly tried to meet the child on prior occasions.
Ruff was later arrested for child solicitation, child molest and false informing.
Investigators are looking for other possible victims who may have been contacted by Ruff.
“Parents are urged to check their children’s Facebook pages, especially the Facebook Messenger, to see if your child has had contact with Brandon Ruff,” said Sheriff Goodin.
Ruff also had a fake Facebook page listed as Sammy Castro, authorities said. Investigators believe Ruff was posing as a wrestler online in order “to gain the confidence of the children.”
Sheriff Goodin said parents who believe their child could have been a victim are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 812-752-8400 or 812-752-5550.
If you live outside of Scott County, you are asked to call the Indiana State Police post in Sellersburg.
