Austintown man arrested at baseball field for alleged child sex offense
An investigation that began a month ago with a tip from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has led to the arrest of an Austintown man who allegedly attempted to solicit sex from a minor.
Thirty-six-year-old Christopher Skarp appeared before a judge on Wednesday charged with importuning, attempting to commit an offense, and possessing criminal tools.
Skarp was arrested the day before at Libbee Baseball Field off West Radio Road.
According to a police report, an undercover officer posing as an underage teen lured Skarp to the field, where he was met by police.
Police first became aware of Skarp on October 12 when an internet provider reported that child pornography had been uploaded by someone in Austintown.
The information was forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which prompted the investigation.
A bond of $9,000 was imposed for Skarp. Another court hearing is set for next month.