REYNOLDSVILLE, Pa. (EYT) A Coraopolis man is facing multiple felony charges following an online sting operation in Jefferson County.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Officer Tammy Murray of the Reynoldsville Borough Police Department, 29-year-old Anthony Warren Holcomb has been charged with the following offenses:
- Criminal Attempt — IDSI Person Less Than 16 Years Age (1st-degree felony)
- Criminal Attempt — Statutory Sexual Assault: 11 Years Older (1st-degree felony)
- Criminal Attempt — Sexual Assault (2nd-degree felony)
- Criminal Attempt — Aggravated Indecent Assault: Comp. Less Than 16 (2nd-degree felony)
- Criminal Attempt — Corruption of Minors (1st-degree misdemeanor)
- Criminal Use of Communication Facility (3rd-degree felony)
- Criminal Attempt — Indecent Assault Person Less 16 Years Age (2nd-degree misdemeanor)Police say the investigation began on November 27 when members of the 814 Pred Hunters group, an organization that targets online predators, provided information about sexually explicit conversations between Holcomb and what he believed to be a minor.
According to the complaint, the conversation began on a dating app when Holcomb messaged what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. When informed of the age, Holcomb allegedly replied “Damn, I don’t wanna go to jail” but continued the conversation.
The criminal complaint states Holcomb identified himself as an Amazon delivery driver from Pittsburgh and sent multiple messages discussing sexual acts. He allegedly arranged to meet in his SUV, telling the decoy “I got tinted windows” and saying he would drive two hours for the meeting.
When Holcomb arrived at an ice cream shop in Reynoldsville for the arranged meeting, Officer Murray attempted to stop his vehicle. Police say Holcomb fled the scene when ordered to put his vehicle in park.
Holcomb was arraigned on December 3 in front of Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana.
Unable to post 10% of the $200,000 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on January 9, 2025, with Judge Inzana presiding.
