Mercer man charged with sexual offenses against minor

March 03--SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP -- The Attorney General's Child Predator Section has arrested a Mercer-area man for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl he met online.

David T. Bennett, 24, of 378 Old Ash Road, Springfield Township, is charged with two counts each of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

He also faces several other charges related to his attempt to sexually assault the minor on a third occasion and for his possession of child pornography, according to a press release from the Attorney General's office.

The Attorney General's Child Predator Section works to identify child pornographers and apprehend predators who use the internet to target children.

Since Attorney General Josh Shapiro took office, the Child Predator Section has made 16 arrests spanning the Eastern, Central and Western regions of the Commonwealth, according to the press release.

"We are working in every county in the Commonwealth to ensure our communities are safe from child predators," Shapiro said.

According to investigators, Bennett allegedly contacted the teenager online sending at least 20 sexually explicit and nude images of himself along with multiple videos.

Authorities allege that on two occasions, Bennett had sexual contact with the girl.

"The cooperation and assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police were invaluable to our agents in making Bennett's arrest," Shapiro said.

During an investigation of Bennett, an undercover agent posing as a minor, was sent sexually explicit messages, the release says.

Bennett also arranged to meet the agent for the purpose of having sex despite the fact he believed the agent was a minor, according to the release.

"Pennsylvanians should know we will relentlessly pursue individuals who prey upon our children," Shapiro said. "Protecting our children from sexual exploitation or abuse is a top priority of our office."

Bennett was arrested a in Crawford County and is being held in at Crawford County Prison on a $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 10.

His case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Chuck E. Washburn of the Child Predator Section.

Like T.L. Miller on Facebook, follow her @TL_Miiller or email her at tmiller@sharonherald.com.

Reporting Child Predators

Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or child sexual abuse can also send an anonymous tip to the office by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.

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