Pittsburgh-Area Man Tried To Buy Child From Mother: Police

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — A Lower Burrell man has been accused of inappropriately touching a 6-year-old girl and offering to purchase the child.

According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, Theodore Magee, 44, has been charged with aggravated indecent assault, atempted aggravated indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a victim less than 13, trafficking, and interference with child custody.

Allegheny Township Police said Magee was asked to watch the victim overnight at a residence on Gene Drive.

The victim allegedly told police Magee touched the inside of her pants and underwear as the two slept on an air mattress together.

Magee was interviewed by investigators and claimed he only hugged the victim and showed officers text messages and videos where he refers to the victim as his girlfriend.

Police said they observed a text message where Magee allegedly offered to purchase the girl from her mother for $5,000.

Investigators executed a search warrant on Magee's phone which produced photographs and videos of the victim.

Magee was arrested and is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond.