Accused of inappropriate relationship with teen

SOUTH POINT — A South Point man has been indicted by a grand jury on charges after investigators said he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

WSAZ reported that Joey M. Payne, 37, was indicted by a grand jury on Aug. 22 and is charged with third-degree sodomy and first degree sexual abuse.

According to the report, Payne is said to have reached out to the victim, who was 16 at the time, several months ago and offered to coach her on her softball skills. Her mother told the TV station that the alleged abuse began in the spring and continued into the summer.

The Tribune requested a copy of Payne’s indictment from the Boyd County Clerk in Kentucky, but the file had been taken to a judge’s chambers and was not available on Wednesday. The Boyd County Commonwealth Attorney declined to provide information on the case, stating all records must go through the clerk’s office.

South Point Schools Superintendent Mark Christian said that Payne was not affiliated with the school district in any way.

“Not as a coach or as a volunteer,” he said, stating that his understanding was that Payne, who worked for a sports studio, was offering private lessons to people in the area.

Payne’s arraignment is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday.