MOULTON — A registered sex offender was arrested after authorities said he molested a boy and recorded the abuse on the boy’s cellphone.

Jonathan George Gillespie, 37, 5040 Lawrence 170, Hillsboro, is charged with sexual abuse of a child less than 12, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse and permitting a child to engage in pornography, Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell said.

Reports indicate Gillespie was convicted of second-degree rape in 2007 involving a 14-year-old girl, authorities said.

Authorities said Gillespie was taken into custody Tuesday in the case involving the boy, who is 11.

Department officials said an investigation began after a member of the boy’s family found a pornographic video on the child’s cellphone.

Mitchell said the cellphone had video footage of the abuse.

Lawrence County investigator Capt. Tim McWhorter said the investigation into the allegations had been going on for about two weeks. He said the Alabama Bureau of Investigation along with the Child Advocacy Center helped with the investigation.

Mitchell said after being questioned, Gillespie admitted to his involvement.

“I just don’t understand what makes people want to do things like this,” Mitchell said. “You don’t want to think things like this happen, but they do.”

Gillespie is out of jail after posting bail of $80,000.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.