Level Plains man charged with painting minors’ breasts

OZARK — A self-proclaimed Level Plains “artist” was behind bars on Friday after authorities alleged he was painting on the breasts of children as young as 13, according to the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.

Dale County Chief Sheriff’s Investigator Harvey Mathis said 43-year-old John David Lisenby of Rucker Boulevard is charged with enticing a child for immoral purposes.

No money or sexual activities were exchanged for the paintings, Mathis said.

“He claims he is an artist ... We worked with Level Plains’ Police Department after they advised us of the suspicious behavior and that it might have involved young girls,” Mathis said.

“When we executed a search warrant, he was actually painting the breast of a 17-year-old.”

A press release from the sheriff’s office said the search warrant was executed on Aug. 11, but that authorities needed to verify the age and identity of a 13-year-old girl before a warrant was issued for Lisenby’s arrest.

Mathis said computers, cameras and painting supplies were seized from the Lisenby residence.

Mathis said the charge was the first such arrest of which he was aware.

Lisenby was placed in the Dale County Jail under $15,000 bond.