ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Carson Cawthon was arrested and booked into the Belmont County Jail in connection with the rape of a child under 13 years of age, Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack announced Tuesday.

A ​​collaborative investigation between law enforcement agencies in Ohio and West Virginia resulted in the arrest of Cawthon, 19, of Moundsville.

The investigation was initiated by the Martins Ferry Police Department. Upon discovering that some of the alleged criminal activity may have occurred outside of city limits, the department contacted the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. The two agencies then commenced a joint investigation into the allegations.

On Friday, the investigation expanded to include the Moundsville Police Department in West Virginia.

The assistance of the Moundsville police was instrumental in obtaining and executing a search warrant at Cawthon’s residence.

The investigation is active and ongoing with the potential for additional charges to be filed.

“The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the Martins Ferry Police Department and the Moundsville Police Department for their professionalism and vital cooperation in this case,” the office states in a news release.

Zusack is asking anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office at 740-695-7933 or the Martins Ferry Police Department at 740-633-2121.