ONALASKA, Texas - A 25-year-old Onalaska man has been arrested on child sex crime charges following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a juvenile, police said.
The Onalaska Police Department began investigating the case on July 12 after receiving allegations involving inappropriate conduct between an adult male and a juvenile.
According to investigators, officers immediately launched an investigation that included multiple forensic interviews with the juvenile victim and witnesses.
As the investigation progressed, detectives developed probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for Austin Cole on charges of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact and Child Grooming.
Cole was taken into custody by the Onalaska Police Department on July 28 and transported to the Polk County Jail.
Police said the investigation remains active and will be forwarded to the Polk County District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution.
The Onalaska Police Department thanked Children's Haven and the Sam Houston State University Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
"The safety of our children is one of the Onalaska Police Department's highest priorities," the department said in a statement. "Crimes against children are investigated thoroughly, professionally, and with the seriousness they deserve. We remain committed to protecting the children of our community and holding offenders accountable."
The investigation remains ongoing.
