A man from northeastern Pennsylvania is accused of luring a girl away from her home in Whitehall.An investigation was launched after a 14-year-old from Whitehall was reported missing on Sunday. Authorities say 27-year-old Christopher P. Jones of Nanticoke lured the girl through social media. She was found after authorities say they tracked her online interactions with Jones was then taken into custody by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.According to the report, Jones told the juvenile he preferred to have intimate relationships with children around her age. Jones allegedly said they would say he was the girl’s father as a cover story as to why she was staying with him. He also stated he would take her to Knoebels Amusement Park as a date. Jones faces charges of unlawful contact with a minor, interference with the custody of children, corruption of minors, and criminal attempt to commit several sex offenses. “Social media can be a powerful tool—not just for connection, but for locating individuals in urgent situations,” said Chief Gagorik. “We encourage parents to maintain open conversations with their children about online activity and to be mindful of what is shared publicly.”Police say the 14-year-old is now safe. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
WHITEHALL, Pa. —
A man from northeastern Pennsylvania is accused of luring a girl away from her home in Whitehall.
An investigation was launched after a 14-year-old from Whitehall was reported missing on Sunday.
Authorities say 27-year-old Christopher P. Jones of Nanticoke lured the girl through social media.
She was found after authorities say they tracked her online interactions with Jones was then taken into custody by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.
According to the report, Jones told the juvenile he preferred to have intimate relationships with children around her age.
Jones allegedly said they would say he was the girl’s father as a cover story as to why she was staying with him.
He also stated he would take her to Knoebels Amusement Park as a date.
Jones faces charges of unlawful contact with a minor, interference with the custody of children, corruption of minors, and criminal attempt to commit several sex offenses.
“Social media can be a powerful tool—not just for connection, but for locating individuals in urgent situations,” said Chief Gagorik. “We encourage parents to maintain open conversations with their children about online activity and to be mindful of what is shared publicly.”
Police say the 14-year-old is now safe.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.