HARRISBURG, PA — A Pittsburgh man faces multiple felony charges after investigators allege he used an online chat platform to attempt to arrange sexual contact with a pre-teen girl, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week.
According to the Office of Attorney General, 57-year-old Eric T. Gillespie has been charged with four felonies, including multiple counts of unlawful contact with a minor. A magisterial district judge denied bail during arraignment, citing Gillespie as a potential flight risk and public safety concern.
Investigators said that an agent from the Attorney General’s Office, posing as an adult, engaged Gillespie in an online conversation on a chat platform known to be frequented by individuals seeking to exploit minors. During the exchange, Gillespie allegedly attempted to arrange a meeting with a pre-teen girl in Lebanon County.
Attorney General Sunday credited the proactive work of the agency’s Child Predator Section, emphasizing the ongoing risks children face online. “This case is yet another example of the dangers that exist on anonymous chat platforms and other communication venues,” Sunday said.
The investigation also uncovered evidence suggesting that Gillespie may have communicated with or attempted to access other minors. The case was conducted in coordination with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office and remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General at 800-385-1044 and ask for Agent Roby.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Janie Swinehart. Authorities remind the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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