Columbus social worker accused of having sex with 13-year-old she was counseling

A social worker was charged after police said they found a video on a phone of her and a 13-year-old boy she was counseling having sex.

Columbus police charged 24-year-old Payton Shires, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Charging documents state that the boy's mom called police after finding text messages between Shires and her son, who she was assigned to for counseling.

The mom was concerned after seeing messages between Shires and the boy asking if her son had deleted the videos and if the mom had seen them, detectives wrote.

Investigators executed a search warrant on the phone given by the mom, discovering a video of the social worker and boy having intercourse.

Detectives wrote that the boy told police they had sex at least twice in various places in Columbus.

Court documents state police then held a "controlled three-way call" with the mother, detectives, and Shires. Detectives said Shires admitted to the sexual relationship during the call.

She was taken into custody without incident. Additional charges are possible, police said.

State records said her license was issued on June 12, 2023, and expires in 2025. She formerly worked for the National Youth Advocate Program, according to police.

Citing confidentiality, the NYAP refused to say when she stopped working for them but said they are cooperating with investigators.

"Protecting children is everyone's responsibility. The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is saddened by the situation involving one of our former employees and a young person served by our organization. NYAP has reported the situation to Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) and is collaborating with them and the Columbus Police Department on this case," a statement from the program aid.

Her arraignment in Franklin County Municipal Court is scheduled for Saturday morning.