Couple charged with Enticing a Child in ongoing investigation

(Franklin, GA) — A man and woman are currently in the Heard County jail facing charges for allegedly trying to persuade a young teen female to perform sex acts in an investigation that is still ongoing.

45-year-old Billy Joseph Etheridge is charged with Enticing a Child For Indecent Purposes, while 33-year-old Jena Leigh Thompson is charged with Enticing a Child For Indecent Purposes as well as Violation of Probation.

Billy Joseph Etheridge (L) and Jena Leigh Thompson (R) are both charged with Enticing a Child For Indecent Purposes (Photos: HCSO)

According to a report from Heard County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Danielle Thompson, evidence suggests the alleged incidents in question occurred just before the end of 2019.

Inv. Thompson says the investigation is still ongoing and further felony charges may be pending following the processing of further physical evidence. Drugs are also believed to be involved in the case.

The couple were sharing a residence at an overnight RV park located on West Ferry Road in northern Heard County.

Billy Joseph Etheridge and Jena Leigh Thompson are both being held without bond.

Stay tuned to HeardCitizen.com for further information as it becomes available.