Man Sought Sex With Abington Twp. Boy: PD

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A Tennessee man is in custody after being identified when parents reported discovering sexually explicit text messages and images sent to their child.

Shane Nicholson, 34, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, was charged with having unlawful contact with a minor after an investigation by Abington Township Police.

An Abington Police Special Victims detective, authorized by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, assumed control of the minor's online account on Sept. 24.

During these exchanges, Nicholson engaged in sexually explicit conversations. Nicholson also described sexual acts, requested photographs, and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting. He indicated he would travel to the Philadelphia area to pick up the child and transport him back to Tennessee, according to the police.

An arrest warrant for Nicholson was obtained on Dec. 30. The warrant information was provided to the Shelbyville Police Department, which took Nicholson into custody. Nicholson was subsequently extradited to Montgomery County.

Nicholson was arraigned, with bail set at $150,000. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.

Abington Police are reminding parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity. They also advised reporting any suspicious or inappropriate communications to law enforcement immediately. Information and resources are available on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program website.