Photo provided. 37-year-old Woodsfield native Jeremy Alan Kitchings currently sits in the Belmont County Jail after being arrested for importuning.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A 37-year-old Woodsfield native was arrested Thursday on a charge of importuning, according to the St. Clairsville Police Department.

Jeremy Alan Kitchings was charged with importuning, a fifth-degree felony.

Police Chief Matt Arbenz said Kitchings had been communicating via social media with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and traveled to St. Clairsville with the intent to have sexual contact with her. He was arrested as he exited the vehicle where he believed the girl was waiting.

In a press release, the Police Department reminded parents and children of the dangers of online chatting.

“Strangers on social media are not always who they claim to be. Predators often use games, apps, chats and fake profiles to build trust with children over time,” the release stated. “Please talk openly about online safety, never share personal information, and report any suspicious or uncomfortable conversations to a trusted adult immediately.”

Kitchings is being held in the Belmont County Jail awaiting arraignment. His bond is set at $2,500.