A Homewood police officer has been indicted on a sexual assault charge.

Ronald Vernarr Hughes, 32, of Oneonta, was indicted by a Limestone County grand jury on Nov. 9. The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office announced Hughes’ arrest on Wednesday.

Authorities said sheriff’s Investigator Jeff Kilpatrick on Aug. 28 launched an investigation after receiving a report of a sexual abuse that reportedly took place in Limestone County.

The victim reported to detectives meeting Hughes on the dating app Hinge, where they began to discuss meeting for a date. Hughes then traveled from his home in Blount County to the victim’s home in Limestone County.

Sheriff’s officials did not release the nature of the alleged crime, and court documents state only that Hughes subjected the victim to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

Hughes is charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

Hughes turned himself in at the sheriff’s office on Nov. 17. He was released on $10,000 bond.

Court records do not yet list an attorney to comment on Hughes’ behalf.

AL.com has reached out to the Homewood Police Department for comment and will update this story.

Sheriff’s officials urged caution when using dating apps and offered these tips:

1.            Use different photos for your dating app than you do for social media. Suspicious individuals may reverse search your picture to find you on social media.

2.            If a person you’ve matched doesn’t have a bio or only has a single photo, it may be a fake account; use caution.

3.            Be sure to share only limited personal information on dating apps or social media.

4.            Don’t be afraid to block and report suspicious users.

5.            Never respond to requests for financial assistance under any circumstance on social media or dating apps.

6.            Video chat before meeting in person.

7.            Never rely on your date for transportation; meet them in public.

8.            Make sure a reliable friend knows where you’re going and who you are meeting.

9.            If needed, enlist the help of wait staff or other staff at the public place you meet or call law enforcement if you feel uncomfortable.

10.         Trust your gut; don’t hesitate to cut the date short and walk away if something feels off.