Tennessee Woman Accused of Statutory Rape of Juvenile

(Monterey, Tennessee) A 40-year-old local woman, Sherry D. Barnes, was arrested Friday for allegedly engaging in sex with a 17-year-old boy and sending naked pictures of herself to him.

Barnes has been charged with statutory rape and sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means.

The case was investigated by Putnam Sheriff's Detective Jimmy Patterson, who said he began his investigation after the 17-year-old boy, who was on probation out of Juvenile Court, began skipping school and "got into trouble with his probation."

Sherry D. Barnes is accused of having sex with the boy at her house on Sept. 3, according to one warrant taken by the detective.

In another warrant, the detective alleges that on Aug. 28, Barnes sent nude photos of herself to the boy's cell phone in violation of a state law.

Barnes was booked into custody at the Putnam County Jail and released on $10,000 bond.