Norristown man accused of seeking child online to sexually exploit

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities in Montgomery County announced the arrest of a Norristown man who they say was seeking children online to sexually exploit.

23-year-old Thomas Kaczmarek was charged with Attempted Statutory Sexual Assault, Attempted Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Attempted Indecent Assault and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility.

On Wednesday, detectives from the ICAC Task Force, Montgomery County Detective Bureau and Homeland Security Investigation conducted a child predator undercover operation.

They placed two ads for 14-year-old children on multiple internet sites known to be frequented by adults seeking children for sex.

Several people responded to the ads, of which, they say Kaczmarek was one.

During the sting operation, authorities say a detective and trained ICAC Task Force member posed as a 14-year-old girl and communicated electronically with Kaczmarek.

Authorities say Kaczmarek described the specific sex acts he wished to perform on the person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and a meeting was set for a hotel in Conshohocken.

When Kaczmarek arrived at the hotel, he was arrested.

Bail was set at $100,000 cash.

He failed to post bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 11.