A Jefferson City man has been charged with sexual misconduct for incidents reportedly happened in February 2020.
A Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement states the incidents are believed to have occurred in the 1500 block of Independence Drive.
Authorities allege Lucas Abbett, 27, engaged in sexual conduct with a person younger than 17 who was in his care and also allegedly exchanged social media posts were sexually explicit in nature with the same person.
According to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement, a witness told authorities they found a computer tablet and a cellphone in the possession of their foster child with allegedly sexually explicit messages between the child and Abbett, who at the time was 25.
The witness told Abbett's wife who confronted Abbett and eventually kicked him out of their home.
It was after this, authorities said, Abbett attempted to commit suicide by going to the Jackson Street overpass, placed a noose around his neck and tied the other end of the rope to the overpass railing. He climbed over the railing and barrier fence overlooking U.S. 50/63, but was eventually taken down by JCPD officers and then taken to a local hospital for mental commitment.
The victim was later interviewed and reportedly said they had a "crush" on Abbett, which developed into a pseudo-relationship. The victim said they had kissed on occasions and he had left her hand-written notes in her bedroom as well as sent her social media posts.
Authorities tried to speak with Abbett, but he allegedly refused to talk with them.