State Attorney General Tom Corbett said agents from the Child Predator Unit made the arrests this week.
Those charged include:
* Donald E. Jacobson, 44, 123 Wasson Ave., DuBois, Clearfield County.
* Shane Allen Washburn, 27, 338 Shawmut Ave., Johnsonburg, Elk County.
Donald E. Jacobson
Corbett said Jacobson used an Internet chat room to contact an undercover agent who was using the online profile of a 13-year old girl.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacobson engaged in a series of sexually explicit chats with the girl. Jacobson proposed meeting the girl for sex and provided detailed descriptions of the sex acts he wished to engage in.
Corbett said Jacobson repeatedly cautioned the girl to not tell anyone else about their chats, warning her, "if anyone found out. I'd be put in jail." Jacobson also urged the girl to get a digital camera or cell phone camera so she could send him semi-nude or nude photos of herself.
Jacobson was arrested Monday by agents from the Child Predator Unit, assisted by officers from the Sandy Township Police Department.
Jacobson is charged with six counts of unlawful contact with a minor (related to obscene or sexual performances) and two counts of criminal use of a computer, all third-degree felonies that are each punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.
Jacobson was preliminarily arraigned before DuBois District Judge Patrick N. Ford and lodged in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today at Ford's office.
Shane Allen Washburn
Corbett said Washburn used Internet chat rooms to engage in a series of online chats with an undercover agent who was using the online profile of a 13-year old girl.
During a number of those chats, Washburn posed as a 15-year old boy.
According to the criminal complaint, Washburn used a webcam on six different occasions to transmit sexually graphic photos and videos to the girl.
Washburn was arrested Monday by agents from the Child Predator Unit, assisted by officers from the Johnsonburg Police Department.
Washburn is charged with six counts of unlawful contact with a minor (related to obscene or sexual performances) and six counts of criminal use of a computer, all third-degree felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.
Washburn was preliminarily arraigned and lodged in the Elk County Jail in lieu of $25,000 straight bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11 before Johnsonburg District Judge George A. King.
Corbett urged parents to discuss Internet safety with their children.
"Predators are using popular Web sites to search for potential victims, in many cases sending sexually graphic messages or photos during their first chat" Corbett said. "It is essential for parents to regularly discuss online safety with their children and encourage teens and pre-teens to immediately report anyone who tries to send them sexually explicit messages, photos or videos."
Suspected Internet predators can be reported to the Attorney General's Child Predator Hotline, at 1-800-385-1044, or filing an online complaint using the "Report a predator" link on the front page of the Attorney General's Web site, www.attorneygeneral.gov.
Internet safety tips and other information are available in the "Operation Safe Surf" and "Just for Kids" sections of the Web site. Organizations interested in materials, speakers or presentations, contact the Attorney General's Education and Outreach Office at 1-800-525-7642 or by email at education@attorneygeneral.gov.
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