For the first time ever, investigators used a new state law that enables them to charge someone with using a computer to solicit a minor, and police believe they will be using the law a lot more in the future.
Police say Fort Bragg Staff Sgt. Lawrence Wright used his personal computer to try and lure a 15-year-old girl into a date. Police say more and more sexual predators are using computers to go after minors.
"The meeting was specifically to get involved in a sex act with a minor," says Sgt. Roberto Rivera with the Fayetteville Police Department. "We don't really want to go into detail on how we investigate the crime because it will affect future investigations."
Wright went to Cross Creek Mall to meet the girl, but when he got there he was met by police instead. Investigators confiscated Wright's computer. They plan to use data on his hard drive as evidence.
"If he has an extensive criminal record, he could receive up to twelve months in prison if convicted," Rivera said. "If he has a clean record, most likely he'll end up doing community service. It just depends on his record."
Wright is out of jail on $2,000 bond.
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