(SPRINGFIELD, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Springfield Police Chief Stephen Moody today announced the arrest of a man on a charge of Importuning after he allegedly solicited an undercover officer online.
Authorities with the Springfield Police Department and Attorney General DeWine's Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Brian Smith, 31, after he arranged to meet with who he believed was an underage female to engage in sexual activity yesterday afternoon.
Springfield Police began investigating the suspect after concerned citizens reported other alleged inappropriate conduct towards underage girls.
"We commend those parents who recognized the suspicious behavior and reported it to police," said Attorney General DeWine. "This is a great example of how the community can work together with law enforcement to keep Ohio's families safe."
Attorney General DeWine created the Crimes Against Children Unit, which is part of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, to assist law enforcement agencies throughout the state in investigating cases involving juvenile victims.
Smith is currently in the Clark County Jail.
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Media Contacts:
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