Clarion County Man Arrested by Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit

HARRISBURG – Agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested a Clarion County man accused of using a computer webcam to send sexually explicit videos of himself to who he believed was a 13-year old girl.  The “girl” was actually an undercover agent using the online profile of a young teen.

Acting Attorney General Bill Ryan identified the defendant as Vincent David Elliott, age 39, of 520 Wood St., Clarion.

Ryan said that Elliott initially approached the undercover agent in an Internet chat room in December 2010, asking to be added to the girl’s “buddy list” for online messages.  Several days later, Elliott allegedly contacted the girl again, telling her that he was “watching porn” and “making myself happy as I watch.”

Elliott is then accused of sending the girl a webcam transmission that showed him naked from the waist down, engaging in sexual activity in front of his computer.  While continuing to masturbate on video, Elliott allegedly asked the girl if she had “ever seen one in person,” later adding, “teaching you would be fun,” and, “I know you’d like it.”

According to the criminal complaint, Elliott approached the girl online again in January 2011, transmitting a second video that showed him nude and engaging in sexual activity.  Elliott also allegedly proposed meeting the girl for sex, telling her, “Wish you were here to help me.”

Ryan said that Elliott is also accused of sending numerous explicit messages to the undercover agent, including instructions about how to masturbate and links to pornographic websites. 

In addition, Elliott allegedly instructed the girl to delete their conversations and the pornographic links from her computer’s search history, so the girl’s mother would not discover their communication.

Elliott was arrested on February 24th by agents from the Child Predator Unit, assisted by Pennsylvania State Police from the Clarion Barracks and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

Elliott is charged with two counts of unlawful contact with a minor (related to sexual offenses), which are both first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines. 

Elliott is also charged with two counts of criminal use of a communications facility (related to sexual offenses), both third-degree felonies which are each punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.

He was arraigned before Clarion Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn and jailed in lieu of $100,000 bond.  Elliott was also prohibited from using the Internet or computers and may not have contact with any child under the age of 18. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 1st, at 9:30 a.m., before Magisterial District Judge Quinn.

Elliott will be prosecuted in Clarion County by Senior Deputy Attorney General William F. Caye of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit. 

Ryan thanked the Pennsylvania State Police and the Clarion Borough Police Department for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Internet Safety
Acting Attorney General Ryan explained that the Child Predator Unit has made 285 arrests since it was created in January 2005, involving individuals from all across Pennsylvania and as far away as Texas and Florida, all accused of using the Internet to sexually exploit children.

Ryan cautioned parents to carefully monitor Internet activities involving their children, especially in situations where they might be approached by strangers. 

“Internet predators often attempt to send sexually explicit photos or videos during their initial online encounters,” Ryan said. “Parents and other adults should encourage children to quickly report inappropriate contact, along with any other online communication that makes them feel uncomfortable or appears suspicious.”
 
Ryan suggested that parents monitor the following:

• Know what your children are doing online.
• Understand the websites they use and who they are communicating with.
• Review their pages on MySpace, Facebook or other online profiles.
• Talk to them about the dangers of face-to-face meetings with strangers.

Reporting Internet Predators
Suspected Internet predators can be reported to the Child Predator Unit by using the online “report a predator” form or by calling the Child Predator Hotline, at 1-800-385-1044.

Internet safety tips and other information are available in the “Operation Safe Surf” and “Just for Kids” sections of the Attorney General’s website.  Organizations interested in materials, speakers or presentations can contact the Attorney General’s Education and Outreach Office at 1-800-525-7642 or via email at education@attorneygeneral.gov.