FORT PAYNE, Ala.– A registered sex offender is facing new charges after authorities say he traveled multiple times to meet a child in Fort Payne.

According to the Fort Payne Police Department, arrest warrants were issued Tuesday for 38-year-old Joseph Michael Holmes of Lafayette, Alabama. He is charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, rape, and sodomy.

Investigators say Holmes had been communicating with the victim online and traveled to Fort Payne on more than one occasion to meet the child.

With assistance from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Holmes was taken into custody Tuesday. He was later transferred to the Fort Payne City Jail on Wednesday.

During the investigation, officers determined Holmes is already listed as a registered sex offender in Chambers County for prior rape and sodomy convictions involving children.

Holmes appeared Thursday before the DeKalb County District Court for his initial hearing. His bond was set at $250,000, and he was transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

“I want to thank our officers and investigators for their quick and hard work in helping bring Holmes to justice,” said Chief David Davis. “I also want to thank our District Attorney’s Office and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication in fighting crimes and exploitation of children.”