LANCASTER, PA — A 24-year-old man from Akron Borough in Lancaster County waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday, facing multiple charges related to alleged sexual abuse of minors. The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office announced that Alexander Bootie will face charges including sexual abuse of children, unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility, and corruption of minors.
The case was initiated when West Earl Township Police received a call from a Deputy Sheriff in Wright County, Iowa, on March 29, 2023. The deputy reported that a juvenile female had complained about a male from Akron Borough allegedly soliciting explicit images and videos from her in exchange for Korblox Cash, a virtual currency used in online gaming.
Following the report, Bootie was identified as a suspect. Detective Josh Mertz subsequently recovered conversations between Bootie and the minor via social media and messaging applications. These conversations included alleged offers from Bootie to buy gaming-related items for the juvenile in return for explicit photos and videos.
Detective Mertz filed charges against Bootie on November 17, 2023. Bootie later turned himself in and posted bail set at $50,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned on February 23 at 9 a.m. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo is prosecuting the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. As such, it’s important to remember that a criminal complaint or an arrest does not constitute a declaration of guilt. Information related to this case could change as more details emerge or as the investigation progresses.
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