Columbus man facing child solicitation accusation

A Columbus man is under arrest, accused of planning to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, deputies received information that 48-year-old Matthew Covert was making plans on Saturday to meet who he believed to be an underage girl at a North Vernon business. Deputies say that he made his presence in the store known to the would-be victim and attempted to alter his appearance. However, police recognized him from a recent photograph he provides.

Deputies say that he tried to run away, but surrendered to police when they announced themselves.

He is facing a preliminary felony charge of child solicitation.