Counsellor Admits Having Intercourse With 13-Year-Old Client

A counsellor acknowledged having sex with a 13-year-old boy in her care after authorities tapped her phone and discovered disturbing evidence.

Payton Shires, 24, was charged with unlawful sexual behaviour with a child.

Investigators in Columbus, Ohio, United States, allegedly discovered a disturbing video of the sex act with the minor.

In September, a worried parent reported their suspicions, prompting law enforcement to move quickly.

The unidentified boy’s mother contacted Columbus Police on September 27, and inquired of him whether he had “deleted the videos” or whether anyone had seen them. Officers then set up a three-way call between Shires, the mother, and themselves.

The police discovered Payton Shires’ purported confession during the three-way chat between the boy’s mother and the counselor.

The counsellor allegedly confirmed to having a sexual relationship with the unidentified 13-year-old during the call.

Shires was detained while police released the 24-year-old’s mugshot and information on her counseling license.

Shires’ previous work revealed that she had acquired her counseling license from the National Youth Advocate Programme on June 12 of this year. ABC6 said that a company spokesperson has since issued a statement confirming their knowledge of the case.

They said: “Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is saddened by the situation involving one of our former employees and a young person served by our organization.

“NYAP has reported the situation to Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) and is collaborating with them and the Columbus Police Department on this case.”

The NYAP provides assistance to foster families. Though they stated that they were now aware of Shires’ alleged offenses, they did not indicate when the 24-year-old ceased working for them.

Shiress is being housed at the Franklin County Corrections Center and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Oct. 6. She matched Judge Mike Mcallister’s bail request of more than £400,000 ($500,000).