American Army Reservist arrested for alleged rape of 15-year-old girl

Kenneth Wasson accused of statutory rape by an authority figure and unlawful solicitation of a minor, age 15

By Edward Era Barbacena 

An Army Reservist from Middle Tennessee is accused of statutory rape by an authority figure and unlawful solicitation of a minor, age 15.

Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said Kenneth Wasson, 39 of Mt. Juliet, is alleged to have met the victim on a dating app in July. She told police his post "made it appear as if he was in the Army, and that she expressed an interest in the military while advising him she was 15."

Police added Wasson is alleged to have told her that he would be better able to explain the Junior ROTC program in person and drove to her North Nashville home dressed in fatigues while she was there alone. The teen reported that Wasson engaged in sex with her while at the home, according to MNPD.

Wasson later admitted to having sex with the victim during the investigation. Police said he's also accused of sending "lewd photos" using the dating app and wrote they "needed to get together again."

He was arrested by Mt. Juliet Police and transferred to Metro Police on a $400,000 bond.