Dustin McKinley Smith

NEW CUMBERLAND — A Virginia man is in custody following an investigation into the alleged use of an individual using social media to solicit a Hancock County juvenile.

Dustin McKinley Smith, 37, of Wise, Va., is being held in the West Virginia Northern Regional Jail on a $75,000 cash bond, according to information released by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.

He faces a felony charge of soliciting a minor and traveling to engage the minor in prohibited sexual activity under West Virginia Code 61-8-32(b). If convicted, Smith could face penalties of up to $25,000 in fines and between five and 30 years in prison.

Hancock County deputies began investigating Smith in early September after receiving allegations he was using social media platforms to engage with a 13-year-old female residing in the county.

Once charges were filed, Smith was placed under arrest by law enforcement in Virginia, who conducted a search of his residence.

Extradition was waived, and Smith was transported to West Virginia to face the charges. He was booked into the Northern Regional Jail Wednesday, according to the jail’s website.

Additional charges are pending, based on the completion of the investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

A preliminary hearing in Hancock County Magistrate Court had not been set as of Thursday afternoon.