A Roanoke Rapids man was charged today with sex offender use of a social networking site.

Detective O.L. Wiltsie of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office charged 37-year-old Ricky Eugene McKeel following months of investigation and the assistance of Detective R. Rooks.

Wiltsie said in a press release North Carolina statute explains a registered sex offender is in violation when they access or have a social networking account and the offender knows the site permits minor children to become members or maintain personal web pages.

Wiltsie said there was no predatory action involved but McKeel had a Facebook page. He has a past record of indecent liberties with a minor.

Wiltsie said the state provides several web resources on state sex offender and public protection programs, which can be found at www.ncdoj.gov and http://sexoffender.ncdoj.gov/

McKeel was given a $1,500 bond and has a November 7 court date.