Okmulgee County Jail Employee Attempts Sexual Encounter With Minor, Police Say

An Okmulgee County Jail employee faces charges after police say he tried to meet up with an underage girl for sex.

Okmulgee police arrested Joshua Caudle following an undercover investigation.

Police say when they arrested Caudle, not only was he still wearing his uniform, but also carrying his gun and wearing body armor.

Officers say Joshua Caudle contacted one of their investigators in the last few weeks who was posing as a preteen girl as part of an ongoing investigation.  For about two weeks, Caudle communicated with the undercover officer, then deleted his internet profile before contacting the detective again with a different profile.

Okmulgee Police Chief Joe Prentice says, “I have a sense of pride because we stopped what was happening and we’ve taken him out of that situation. On the flip side, it disgusts me personally.  We’re supposed to be above that.”

Prentice says this should serve as a strong reminder for parents to know who their kids are talking to. In the meantime, he wants everyone to know his department will continue to track down anyone who engages in this behavior.

“A win for the Okmulgee Police Department, a win for the Okmulgee community, a win for the public at large,” said Prentice.

Caudle faces charges of soliciting a minor, as well as possession of a firearm while committing a felony and wearing body armor while committing a felony.

The Okmulgee County Jail says it doesn’t have a comment.