Beckham County, OK – An arrest warrant has been issued for 20-year-old Malachi Ray Hart of Muskogee, Oklahoma, following allegations of child exploitation and related offenses in Beckham County.

According to court records, deputies first encountered Hart on August 23 when they located him with a 17-year-old runaway in Elk City. The teen’s mother reported that Hart had been influencing her daughter to run away.

A forensic interview with the girl later revealed allegations that Hart assaulted her on multiple occasions, arranged for her to meet an adult man in exchange for money, and threatened her if she refused or reported him. The girl told investigators Hart instructed her to meet the man at a local gas station in Elk City on August 22. The man admitted paying her $100 and having physical contact with her.

The affidavit further states that Hart used social media accounts to facilitate contact between the teen and others.

Hart is charged with multiple felonies under Oklahoma law, including human trafficking for sexual exploitation, enabling child abuse, procuring a minor for lewd acts, and soliciting sexual conduct with a minor by use of technology.

As of press time, Hart has not been arrested. The warrant remains outstanding.