Montco Man Tried To Lure Child Into Sex Via Instagram: DA

ROCKLEDGE, PA — A Rockledge man is behind bars after authorities said he tried to lure a 15-year-old girl into sexual acts through communication on Instagram.

Anthony Cheathem, 35, faces the charge of criminal intent to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child under 16, along with related counts, the District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

Cheathem allegedly sent the young girl messages on Instagram which "complimented her photos" and included his cell phone number, the DA said. The victim then showed the messages to an adult, who began a conversation with Cheathem while pretending to be the girl, police said.

The conversation quickly became sexual and explicit, with Cheathem asking her if she'd ever had sex or performed numerous sex acts, or if she wanted to have sex with him. He also sent her a picture of his penis, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

On July 2, the victim went to police, where a detective logged into the victim's account and continued the conversation with Cheathem. The detective, pretending to be the girl, repeatedly stated that she was only 15, but that did not dissuade Cheathem from agreeing to meet up with her at the Wendy's at 733 Huntingdon Pike in Abington, according to the affidavit.

Police met Cheathem there and arrested him.

Bail was set at $250,000 cash, which Cheathem failed to post. He was remanded to Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is set for July 16.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office