SAN ANTONIO – A 59-year-old man accused of trying to solicit sex from someone he believed was a teenage girl was arrested earlier today after an undercover investigation that authorities said has been underway for several weeks.
On Monday, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference, where the suspect was escorted to the Bexar County Jail.
The suspect, identified as Lawrence Edward Paul, was taken into custody and was being transported to the South Tower to be booked on a charge of online solicitation of a minor, a third-degree felony.
Authorities said the investigation began when a Secret Service agent assigned to work alongside the human exploitation unit started communicating with Paul while posing as a 15-year-old girl.
Officials said the conversation “became sexual very quickly,” and Paul, who allegedly used the online name “cheer dad,” propositioned the person he believed was a juvenile for sex.
Investigators said an additional investigator later posed as a 17-year-old female and also engaged in sexual conversations with Paul.
Authorities said Paul propositioned that persona as well and believed he was going to meet the 17-year-old at a shopping mall earlier today to purchase clothing for her.
Officials said the 17-year-old persona was actually a supervisor assigned to the human exploitation unit, and Paul was arrested for the original charge of online solicitation of a minor.
During questioning, authorities said Paul “can’t even keep straight how many people, how many young people he has talked to.” Officials said Paul told them he has, at times, met with young women for sexual activity, but claimed the people he met in person were older and not minors.
Authorities said they believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to call 210-335-6000. Officials said the suspect used the name “cheer dad” online, and they believe it is possible he used other names as well.
Investigators also said they believe there is at least one known victim who is an adult, though officials said they do not yet know all the details. Authorities described that allegation as “a very brazen type crime” and said that if it is confirmed, it would suggest the suspect was “very reckless” about what he was doing.
Officials said the investigation involved websites that are “relatively well known for children, for children and adults,” but did not provide further details.
Authorities urged parents to be cautious about who their children interact with through activities such as cheer teams, sports teams and church groups, noting that people who pose a risk may not appear suspicious in public.
Officials said the human exploitation unit has increasingly focused on these types of cases, and they expect additional victims to come forward now that the arrest has been made public.