Christopher Terraciano, 20, was charged with numerous felony sex crimes following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General's Child Predator Section.
According to agents, Terraciano made contact online with the 12-year-old, sent a sexually explicit image and attempted to arrange a meeting for the purpose of having sexual contact with the child.
"An adult, known to this child, reported improper online communications to the authorities and helped us prevent this individual from carrying out his plan," Attorney General Kane said. "It is extremely important to monitor the online activity of your children."
After receiving a report of alleged communication between Terraciano and the child, the Child Predator Section commenced an investigation. During the course of the investigation, Terraciano allegedly continued to send numerous sexually explicit messages online.
A meeting location was later established. When Terraciano arrived thinking he was meeting the child, he was taken into custody, agents stated.
Terraciano, of the 500 block of 3rd St., Port Carbon, is charged with one count each of unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt to commit rape of a child, criminal attempt to commit indecent assault, obscene and other sexual materials and performances, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility.
He is being held in the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16.
Attorney General thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for assisting with Terraciano's arrest.
He will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca A. Elo of the Attorney General's Child Predator Section.
Reporting Child Predators
Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or child sexual abuse can also send an anonymous tip to the office by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.
(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)