MIDDLESBORO – A Middlesboro resident was arrested recently on multiple charges of sexual assault and sodomy.

25-year-old Ladessia N. Barton, of the Meldrum community, was arrested by Middlesboro Police Officer Joe Holder on Oct. 21 and charged with five counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. She was also charged with sodomy in the third degree and was held on a $5,000 cash bond.

Holder said that after a recent preliminary hearing, Barton was bound over to a grand jury to determine if evidence warrants a trial.

Holder said the arrest was made unexpectedly.

“It was uncovered through an unrelated investigation,” said Holder. He added that Barton was allegedly having relations with a 14-year-old.

If found guilty on all charges, Barton could face up to 30 years in prison, according to Kentucky sentencing guidelines.

Barton was arrested earlier this year on charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place.

An arrest is an accusation only. Those arrested are presumed innocent, unless proven guilty in a court of law.