MANSFIELD - A 31-year-old DeSoto Parish man who recently made a failed bid for Police Jury is behind bars, accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a juvenile. 

KTBS-TV reports J. Riley Bell, of Mansfield, was booked Monday on one count each of indecent behavior with juveniles and sexual battery. Bond was set at $180,000. It was unknown if he has an attorney who could comment on the case.

Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says an anonymous tip prompted the month-long investigation. The alleged victim was under the age of 14 at the time of the offense.

Bell was one of two challengers of incumbent Jeff Heard in the Oct. 24 primary. Bell garnered 100 votes, which pushed Heard into a Nov. 21 runoff with Jeri Burrell who defeated Heard by 11 votes.