Teen arrested for trying to molest a child

CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. -- A South Georgia teen has been arrested for trying to molest a child. 17-year-old Dennis Sheppard was arrested Monday afternoon at the Point Peter Landing neighborhood. He is charged with enticing a child for indecent purposes. He also faces additional charges including criminal attempt to commit child molestation.

The Camden County Sheriff's Office began investigating Sheppard after they got a tip that he was acting strangely and trying to entice children in the Point Peter area. Investigators believe Sheppard was potentially fixated on one victim and changed his schedule so he could have more time with the child.

Sheriff Jim Proctor said Sheppard's arrest possibly saved the 10-year-old victim from a terrible fate. "I believe the quick action by our deputies and the extraordinarily valuable help from the community saved this young boy from a very traumatic, life altering and potentially life threatening event. Thankfully the victim is safe with his family."

The St. Marys Police Department also helped investigate the case.