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State attorney general: Salisbury man was looking for sex with teen

Morning Call - 3/27/2018

March 27--A Lehigh County tennis coach is charged with arranging to met someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl for sex, according to the state attorney general's office.

Mark O'Neill, 36, of Gail Avenue in Salisbury Township, was arrested Saturday and charged with unlawful contact with a minor, attempted sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and criminal use of a communication facility, according to court records.

O'Neill is a racquetball and tennis coach at Hillcrest Racquet Club in Reading, according to the attorney general's office. He coaches junior players, including teenage girls.

For about three months, O'Neill had been communicating online with a person who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover state agent, according to court records. He continued to suggest meeting to engage in sexual activity, police said.

On Saturday he drove to a previously agreed upon location in Northampton County to meet the "teen" for sex and was arrested, according to authorities.

O'Neill is being held in Northampton County prison on $500,000 bail.

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If you suspect a predator

Officials ask that anyone who suspects someone is preying on children call the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.

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matt.coughlin@mcall.com

610-820-6564

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