ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — “To catch a predator operation” lands one man in jail.
According to Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith, 42-year-old Jason Dummitt of Wilkesville was arrested this week after an online investigation.
Reports say Dummitt contacted an undercover detective posing as an underage 14-year-old girl. The sheriff’s office said the man spoke with the undercover detective for nearly three weeks.
The discussions in the online chat were sexual, the sheriff said.
On March 9, Jason Dummitt made plans to visit the underage girl. Upon arrival, Dummitt was taken into custody and charged with felony importuning. The case remains under investigation. Additional charges could be forthcoming, said law enforcement officials.
“I encourage parents and caregivers to always be vigilant regarding the internet usage of their children, as this is a frequent method for predators to seek victims,” said Sheriff Smith.