By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

A Hays man accused of electronic solicitation of a minor and indecent liberties with a child made his first appearance at the Ellis County Courthouse on Thursday morning.

According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, Marcus West, 20, allegedly solicited a 14-year-old via text messaging on or around Oct. 6.

The criminal complaint against West also includes a count of indecent liberties with a child, in which West allegedly engaged in lewd fondling of a 14-year-old on or about Oct. 11.

West is being held at the Ellis County jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is pending.