Ohio social worker faces charges for alleged sexual relationship with 13-year-old client

A 24-year-old social worker from Ohio, who had been previously charged with engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old boy under her care, now faces additional charges for allegedly attempting to intimidate the boy’s family.

According to reports from Columbus, Ohio’s ABC station WSYX, Payton Shires appeared before a judge last week and became emotional as the new charges were brought against her.

Court records reveal that a warrant for Shires’ arrest was issued on October 26, and she was arraigned in court on October 28 on charges of intimidating a witness through force or threats.

Shires, who is 24 years old, originally faced charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

During the court hearing, prosecutors detailed how Shires had gone to the 13-year-old boy’s residence, allegedly brandishing a firearm. While at the location, she reportedly made threats of self-harm and placed blame on the family for what she perceived as her life being ruined.

Earlier, on October 6, Payton was apprehended without incident and confessed to engaging in a sexual relationship during a three-way phone conversation involving Shires, the boy’s mother, and the police, as reported by the Columbus Dispatch.

Subsequently, two 13-year-old boys were charged in connection with a fatal shooting, according to police reports from the Columbus Division of Police.

Shires had previously been employed by the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), an organization that offers counseling, social work, and advocacy services for families within the foster care system. It remains unclear when she ceased working for the organization.

The boy’s mother had contacted the police on September 27 after discovering suspicious text messages on her 13-year-old son’s phone sent by Shires. When law enforcement officials examined the phone, they discovered a video depicting the teenager and Shires engaging in sexual activity, as detailed in court records. The teen reportedly informed detectives that he had engaged in sexual encounters with Shires on multiple occasions in September at various locations within Columbus.

Initially charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and held on a $500,000 bond, Shires has now had her bond revoked due to the new charges. She is expected to remain in custody until her next court appearance, scheduled for November 6.