Watch CBS News

Officials: 35-Year-Old Man Arrested After Trying To Use Instagram To Lure Teen Girl For Sex

Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook  | Twitter 

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Rockledge man has been arrested for allegedly trying to lure a 15-year-old girl for sex over Instagram.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office says 35-year-old Anthony Cheathem is facing numerous charges after the teen went to an adult with messages from him that complimented her photos and asked for her cellphone number.

Police Interview Man Identified On Wawa Surveillance In Connection To Possible Attempted Child Luring

Officials say the adult then pretended to be the girl and exchanged messages with Cheathem. In those messages, the adult made sure to express that the teen was only 15.

Cheathem's messages stated that he wanted to meet her and became sexual in nature, according to the DA's office.

At this point, the victim's family contacted police.

Anthony Cheathem mug
Credit: CBS3.

In an effort to gather more evidence, an Abington detective took over the victim's Instagram account on July 2.

The detective conversed with Cheathem, continuing to make it clear in messages that the victim was underage, and Cheathem continued to respond in a receptive manner, according to police.

He reportedly described sexual acts that he wanted to perform with the girl and sent a sexually explicit photo to her.

At this point, the detective, still posing as the child, arranged a meeting with Cheathem for 3:30 p.m. on July 3.

In a fast-food restaurant parking lot, police arrested Cheathem.

Bucks County Authorities Investigating At Least 2 Cases Of Attempted Child Lurings

He is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility at $250,000 bail.

A judge further stipulated that he cannot have contact with minors and no use of the internet and social media.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.