'I'm ashamed of myself' suspect says when they questioned about trying to blackmail a child into a sex act

A man blackmailed a child into performing a sex act and now faces several criminal charges, police said.

Deputies with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office in Kentucky received a report on Aug. 23 that a man was communicating with a juvenile victim. The suspect wanted the child “to do things she did not want to do,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said Stephen Herald, 44, started talking with the victim earlier in the month. Herald communicated with the victim via text message, deputies said.

Herald had “embarrassing” information about the victim, according to the sheriff’s office. To stop him from telling others, he wanted the victim to perform a sex act for him.

The victim refused to do as he said and told another adult, according to the sheriff’s office.

When investigators spoke to the suspect, Herald allegedly said, “I’m disgusted at myself. I hate myself. I’m ashamed at myself.”

Herald was charged with promoting a minor in sex performance and prohibited use of electronic communication to procure a minor in a sexual performance. His bond was set at $100,000.