SOMERSET COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY PROPOSITIONING 'CHILDREN' ON THE INTERNET; 292ND ARREST BY A.G.'S CHILD PREDATOR UNIT

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 4 -- The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office issued the following news release:

Agents from the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit have arrested a Somerset County man accused of using the Internet to sexually proposition what he believed were two different 13-year old girls from western Pennsylvania. The "girls" were actually undercover agents who were using the online profiles of young teens.

Acting Attorney General Bill Ryan identified the defendant as James A. Stigers Jr., age 58, of 146 Holly Path, Windber.

Ryan said that Stigers is accused of using Internet chat rooms to contact and sexually proposition two different undercover agents from the Child Predator Unit. Additionally, Stigers is accused of repeatedly proposing face-to-face meetings with the girl in order to engage in sexual activity and he allegedly used a computer webcam to transmit nude images of himself.

Ryan noted that the Child Predator Unit has made 292 arrests since it was created in 2005 and undercover agents typically see an increase in communication with predators during the spring and summer months.

"Last year, more than 60% of the arrests by the Child Predator Unit occurred between April and August," Ryan said. "Now, more than ever, it is important for families to discuss online safety and to also emphasize that children should always tell a trusted adult if someone tries to use the Internet to sexually proposition them, send them graphic photos and videos or attempt to arrange face-to-face meetings."

According to the criminal complaint, Stigers proposed a camping trip with one of the undercover agents, promising to provide her with alcohol. Later, he allegedly proposed meeting the girl at a state park near where he believed she lived, adding, "we should not be bothered if we find a nice spot."

Ryan said that allegedly Stigers explained in graphic detail the sex acts he wished to perform with the girl, at one point commenting, "I promise to be a gentle teacher."

Stigers is charged with one count each of unlawful contact with a minor (related to explicit sexual material), criminal attempted unlawful contact with a minor (related to explicit sexual material) and criminal use of a computer, all third-degree felonies which are each punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.

Stigers was preliminarily arraigned before Boswell Magisterial District Judge Susan Mankamyer, who set bail at $100,000. Stigers is also prohibited from using the Internet and may not have any unsupervised contact with children under 18.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 11, at 9:15 a.m. before Windber Magisterial District Judge Joseph A. Cannoni.

The case will be prosecuted in Somerset County by Senior Deputy Attorney General William F. Caye II of the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit.

Ryan thanked the Paint Township Police Department and Somerset Police Department for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Internet Safety

Ryan noted that the arrival of warmer weather often triggers changes in school and family schedules, with many teens spending more time unsupervised.

"Predators are hoping they will have greater access to more children as summer vacation season quickly approaches," Ryan said. "It is important for families to understand that predators will take advantage of any possible opportunity to meet potential victims."

Ryan urged parents to regularly discuss Internet safety and security issues with their children, including the importance of telling a trusted adult if someone engages in inappropriate online activity, such as:

* Sexual discussions.

* Sending or requesting nude photos or explicit videos.

* Sharing links to pornography.

* Trying to arrange face-to-face meetings.

Additionally, Ryan said parents and other caregivers should also monitor how kids are using the Internet, including:

* Checking the websites they use frequently.

* Searching the social networking sites they visit.

* Asking them to show you their online profiles on FaceBook, MySpace and other websites.

* Discussing the items they may be posting online.

Ryan also encouraged parents to stress the importance of not sharing personal information online, like full names, ages, addresses, phone numbers and school information, and added that children should always be especially cautious about strangers who approach them online.

Suspected internet predators can be reported to the Attorney General's Office by clicking on the "Report a Predator" link, located on the front page of the Attorney General's website or by calling the toll-free Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044 .

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.) For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com