A 30-year-old Baltimore County man was arrested Tuesday after police say he allegedly arranged to have sex with a 15-year-old boy via text message and social media — and then was met by police officers instead.
Howard County Police charged Philip Warren La Rocca with sexual solicitation of a minor and two counts of second-degree sex offense.
Officers began investigating La Rocca nearly a month ago after a man notified them his 15-year-old son was engaging in inappropriate communication online on the social media site Jack'd.
Police said La Rocca sent the teen sexually explicit photos and messages. Investigators then took over the juvenile's account, continuing to communicate with La Rocca while posing as the teen.
La Rocca and the 15-year-old had also previously met twice and engaged in sexual activity, according to police. He arranged to meet with who he thought was the teen on at a parking lot in Ellicot City Tuesday, but upon arrival at the designated location, La Rocca instead was met by police and put under arrest.
La Rocca is being held at Howard County Detention Center without bail. Police remind parents to be aware of children's presence on social media and call 410-313-STOP if they believe their child has had inappropriate contact with an adult.
