Accused Ex-Social Worker Charged with Sexual Relations with a Minor Elects to Forego Bond Hearing

Former Social Worker Charged with Sexual Conduct with a Minor to Remain in Custody

A former social worker accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor appeared in court on Wednesday facing multiple charges. Payton Shires, who allegedly had sexual relations with a 13-year-old boy, was scheduled for a bond hearing at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. However, her defense attorney waived the bond hearing, and Shires will continue to be held in custody at the Franklin County Correction Center.

Shires is facing four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of witness intimidation, and one count each for discharging a firearm and inducing panic. She was initially arrested on October 6 after the victim’s mother reported finding text messages between her son and Shires. Shires admitted to engaging in multiple sexual acts with the boy on September 16, 22, and 27.

Additionally, Shires is charged with two counts of witness intimidation for allegedly threatening to kill the victim’s mother and herself. According to the Columbus police, Shires went to the victim’s home on October 26, armed with a gun.

Shires, who provided mental health counseling services to the victim, had her social worker’s license issued in June. She was employed by the National Youth Advocate Program. Despite her charges, her social work license remains active as of November 8.

Shires had previously posted a $500,000 bond on October 7 but it was revoked, and she was held in the Franklin County Jail. Her additional bond of $100,000 includes the previous conditions of no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with minors. She is also prohibited from possessing firearms, weapons, or ammunition.

No information is available regarding any potential suspension or forfeiture of Shires’ social work license. For the latest updates on this story, visit NBC4 WCMH-TV.