Philadelphia man charged after trying to solicit sex from agent posing as teen girl: DA

Tuesday, October 10, 2023
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia man is facing charges for trying to sexually solicit a minor online, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Detectives in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania performed an undercover operation on multiple social media platforms this week.
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During the operation, authorities said the suspect, 29-year-old Anthony Smith-Sturgis, texted and messaged an agent posing as a 14-year-old girl.

Investigators said Smith-Sturgis engaged in sexually explicit communication with the teen and showed up to an agreed-upon location on City Avenue with the intent of having sexual relations with her.

Smith-Sturgis was arrested on October 5 and charged with felony contact with a minor - sexual offense, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempted statutory sexual assault and other crimes.
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A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 18.
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