Manchester man arrested after allegedly arranging meet with minor

Gregory Sizemore, 63, of Manchester, was arrested by the Perry County Sheriff’s Office after deputies say he attempted to meet a 17-year-old at the Grand Vue Plaza in the Combs area to exchange money for sexual activities. The arrest followed a tip from social services that prompted sheriff’s investigators to open the case.

Capt. Jessie Day, who met with Sizemore, said social workers believed Sizemore intended to take the juvenile back to the London-Corbin area and that the juvenile told a social worker Sizemore “wanted to participate in sexual activities, and would drive to Hazard to do so.” Officials say the communication took place through a popular social media app and that the sheriff’s office will seek further evidence. “We’re going to obtain some search warrants for some cell phones, social media,” Capt. Day said.

Sizemore faces several charges, including attempted human trafficking, and is being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail. Court records show he faced similar charges in 1997 but was found not guilty. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 9 a.m.

Law enforcement characterized the case as part of a larger pattern officials are watching across Perry County and eastern Kentucky. While Capt. Day said the immediate incident is not a communitywide crisis, he warned that similar incidents are becoming more frequent and urged parents to stay involved. “Just be interactive with your juveniles. No matter the age, kind of keep up with who they’re in contact with because these predators come from far away to anywhere. They’ll go anywhere,” he said. He also advised families to tighten social media privacy settings: “I strongly suggest to make their any social media platform a private account, so nobody can look at it unless you are friends with that person.”

For Perry County residents, the case underscores the intersection of social services, online platforms and local law enforcement. The sheriff’s office investigation is ongoing and the outcome of the search warrants and preliminary hearing will shape potential charges and prosecution. Parents and guardians should review privacy settings, monitor contacts and engage directly with minors about online interactions.

The next immediate development will be the Jan. 20 preliminary hearing and the results of the sheriff’s office forensic searches; both will affect whether prosecutors pursue additional charges and how the community is advised to respond going forward.