PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) – A criminal defense attorney from Pittsburgh found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested in Jefferson County for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor for sexual activity.
Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 33-year-old Paul Anthony Luvara, of Bridgeville, in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on Monday, December 4.
According to a criminal complaint, on December 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., Master Patrolman Winfield, of the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department, was contacted by a member of 814 Pred Hunters, which is an organization primarily based in Clearfield County that targets online predators attempting to solicit or engage in sexual activity with minor children. The organization establishes fake identities on different online social media sites, including Facebook, posing as underage females.
The organization reported they have been in contact with a male from Bridgeville, who was allegedly identified as Paul Anthony Luvara.
Luvara allegedly identified himself as a criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh. After searching his name, Officer Winfield was able to locate Luvara’s law practice in Carnegie.
According to the criminal complaint, Luvara had been allegedly communicating sexually explicit messages with what he believed to be a 15-year-old juvenile female. It was also reported that Luvara allegedly wanted to meet with the child to have sexual relations with her.
Luvara’s alleged communications with the decoy were handed over to Officer Winfield. The messages reportedly revealed a disturbing pattern of manipulation and sexual exploitation, with Luvara allegedly persistently trying to arrange a meeting for sexual activity, even expressing a preference for underage partners due to the illicit nature of such encounters, according to the complaint.
At one point during the conversation, Luvara allegedly stated that he “may or may not have” engaged in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl, the complaint continues.
Later in the conversation, the decoy expressed concern about getting pregnant, if she had sex with Luvara. At this point, Luvara allegedly responded by saying he would get her “Plan B” (birth control), the complaint states
According to the criminal complaint, he also allegedly told the decoy that “being under 16 just makes it really hot and exciting cuz of the risk factor.”
Later, he allegedly expressed interest in having sexual relations with the decoy and her 13-year-old friend named Ava, the complaint indicates.
On December 2, Luvara allegedly texted a photo of his GPS to the decoy, indicating his arrival at a fast-food restaurant in Punxsutawney. The organizer of 814 Pred Hunters relayed this information to Officer Winfield, who, along with Chief Conrad, located a white Mercedes, reportedly registered to Luvara, in the restaurant’s parking lot, according to the complaint.
The criminal complaint states that Officer Winfield ran the vehicle’s license plate and determined it was registered to Paul Anthony Luvara. It was also determined that Luvara’s registration was expired.
Officer Winfield arrived in the parking lot and activated his red and blue emergency lights before getting behind the vehicle. He then approached the driver’s side, at which time the vehicle went into reverse. Officer Winfield yelled for the driver to open the door and to see his hands, according to the criminal complaint.
The criminal complaint states that Officer Winfield opened the door and reportedly ordered Luvara out of the vehicle. Luvara allegedly failed to comply and kept reaching down to his right side under his seat. Officer Winfield continued to order Luvara out of the vehicle and asked to see his hands, and Luvara allegedly continued to not comply.
According to the criminal complaint, Officer Winfield again yelled at Luvara to stop reaching under the seat. Luvara allegedly continued to reach. Officer Winfield reportedly grabbed Luvara and pulled him out of the vehicle before taking him to the ground. As Officer Winfield did this, a fully loaded handgun allegedly fell out onto the ground next to Luvara.
Luvara was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the police station.
Luvara was arraigned at 7:38 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, on the following charges in front of Judge Mizerock:
- Criminal Attempt – Statutory Sexual Assault: 11 Years Older, Felony 1
- Criminal Attempt – Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse Person Less Than 16 Yrs Age, Felony 1
- Criminal Attempt – Aggravated Indecent Assault – Complainant Less Than 16, Felony 2
- Criminal Attempt – Corruption Of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above, Felony 2
- Criminal Use of Communication Facility, Felony 3
- Indecent Assault Person Less 16 Yrs Age, Misdemeanor 2
He is currently free after posting a $50,000.00 bond through a professional bondsman.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at 11:15 a.m. with Judge Mizerock presiding.