The Shadow
On September 10, 2024, Investigators with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, began an online undercover chat operation with a suspected sexual predator. The suspect was later identified as Kevin Lee Joyce, Age 39, from Roanoke County.
During the conversation, Mr. Joyce was under the impression that he was speaking with a female under the age of 15, which he admitted to during his interview with authorities.
It was discovered that Mr. Joyce was a High School Teacher in the Roanoke City school system. During the conversation Mr. Joyce expressed his intentions on traveling to Alleghany County to meet the alleged juvenile and having a sexual encounter.
Due to the fact that Joyce was an employee of the school system, the decision was made to apprehend Joyce as quickly as possible instead of waiting for him to travel to Alleghany County.
Roanoke County authorities were notified of the Investigation and provided assistance.
On September 17, 2024, The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office obtained Search Warrants for Mr. Joyce’s residence as well as his school computer and any other evidence.
On September 18, 2024, The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police and Roanoke County Police Department with the execution of the search warrants.
After the execution of the search warrants, arrest warrants were obtained for Kevin Joyce.
Mr. Joyce was charged with (5) Counts of the Code of Virginia 18.2-374.3 Use of communication systems to facilitate certain offenses against minors. (Child Solicitation)
Roanoke City Public Schools were very cooperative with Law Enforcement and are taking the proper steps in the notification process.
Joyce was transported to Roanoke County Jail where he was held without bond and later transferred to the Alleghany County Regional Jail, where he is currently being held.
The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Roanoke County Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their assistance.
If you have been or know someone who is the victim of a crime you can contact the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office and report it to our Investigations Division at 540-965-1770 ext. # 107.
