SMYRNA, Tenn. -
Smyrna police arrested a 24-year-old man this week for the rape of a child he allegedly met at the apartment complex where he lives.
James Harmon, a convicted sex offender, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of rape of a child and one count of violating the state's sex offender registry.
Police said the charge of violating the state's sex offender registry stems from Harmon living too close to a YMCA.
Investigators said it appears that Harmon met his alleged victim in the playground area at Windsor Downs Apartments on Mason Tucker Drive.
He could face an additional charge of violating the sex offender registry for living near the apartment complex's playground.
"The parents of the victim came forward and told us there was some activity they were concerned with that may involve their child and Mr. Harmon," Smyrna Spokesman Sgt. Bobby Gibson said.
Detectives said Harmon often spent time at the playground in his apartment complex and there could be more victims.
"He was just out there walking the playground as a means to meet young people," Sgt. Gibson said. "If [parents] feel their children have been in contact with Mr. Harmon in anyway, he is not legally allowed to be in contact with those children."
At the apartment complex a man identifying himself as Harmon's brother asked Nashville's News 2 to leave when approached outside of Harmon's apartment building.
Sgt. Gibson said parents should make sure to check the sex offender registry and be aware of who is living near them.
"Unfortunately, not every sex offender is going to register like they are supposed to do," he said. "Parents should check the registry on a pretty consistent basis."
Harmon was booked into the Rutherford County jail on a $251,000 bond. He remains in custody.
He is scheduled to appear in court on July 26.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who recognizes Harmon as someone who may have had contact with their child is urged to call Smyrna detectives at 615-267-5146.
