HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has filed multiple felony charges against an Allentown man following an undercover investigation into the alleged online solicitation of a minor, authorities announced.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said investigators allege that 31-year-old Kristien Diaz engaged in online communications seeking to arrange sexual contact with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old child. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the person communicating with Diaz was an undercover agent.
Officials state that Diaz allegedly traveled to a prearranged meeting location in Lehigh County last week, where he was taken into custody by Office of Attorney General agents with assistance from local law enforcement. Investigators report that a cellphone seized at the time of arrest contained messages related to the alleged communications and indicated Diaz was aware of the purported age of the minor.
Diaz has been charged with several felony offenses, including criminal attempted rape of a child, criminal attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, criminal attempted statutory sexual assault, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of criminal attempted corruption of minors. All charges are allegations filed by law enforcement.
Diaz was arraigned, and bail was set at $500,000. He was remanded to Lehigh County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella.
Attorney General Sunday emphasized the role of proactive investigations in identifying individuals who allegedly seek to exploit minors through online platforms, noting the importance of cooperation between state and local agencies.
As with all criminal matters, a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.