NAZARETH, Pa. — A Northampton County man was arrested after allegedly showing up to meet who he believed was a 14-year-old girl during a sting operation conducted by state police.
Daniel Lichtenwalner, 38, of Nazareth is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted unlawful contact with a minor, attempted statutory sexual assault, criminal use of communication facility, attempt to promote the prostitution of a minor by soliciting, receiving, or agreeing to receive a benefit, and attempted Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a person less than 16 years of age, according to court paperwork.
The undercover operation took place in Luzerne County starting in May and was focused on sexual crimes being perpetrated against children, authorities said.
Pennsylvania State Police used an online website to pose an undercover female trooper as a 14-year-old escort willing to perform sexual acts for money, court paperwork said.
On June 11 at approximately 5:13 p.m., a phone number with the 610 area code texted the undercover trooper, asking to perform a sex act, officials said.
The undercover trooper responded, saying that they were currently 14 years old, to which the number said he would need an address to see how far the drive is, court paperwork details.
The undercover officer arranged to meet the man at a park in Luzerne County on June 11, officials said.
Prior to the meeting, investigators found that the number belonged to Daniel Lichtenwalner.
Police say Lichtenwalner arrived at the park just after 9:00 p.m. in a gray pickup truck.
The undercover trooper approached Lichtenwalner and confirmed that he was there to meet her, court paperwork said.
Authorities say he was taken into custody and identified as Dan Lichtenwalner.
He acknowledged that he knew he was speaking to who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, and said he only wanted to give her a ride home, according to the paperwork.
Lichtenwalner is currently being held in Luzerne County Prison.