BENSALEM, PA — A 42-year-old Philadelphia man was arrested Thursday night in Bensalem after police say he attempted to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl following months of online communication.
Eric Rooney was taken into custody around 9:10 p.m. in the 2500 block of Knights Road after being reported to police by an individual affiliated with an online group. According to Bensalem Township Police, the group had posed as a 13-year-old girl in conversations with Rooney via Instagram over the last eight months.
Investigators said Rooney knowingly engaged in explicit conversations with the account, which he believed belonged to a minor, and arranged to meet the person in person. Upon arriving at the meeting location, he was met by the group, who contacted police.
Rooney was later interviewed by Bensalem detectives, where he admitted to knowing the age of the individual he had been messaging and acknowledged traveling to meet for the purpose of engaging in prohibited conduct. He also admitted to accessing illegal content using his cell phone, according to police.
Rooney has been charged with multiple offenses including attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a minor, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility. He was arraigned by District Justice Regina Armitage and held at Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $500,000 bail.
Police emphasized that while the arrest led to a positive outcome, the department does not encourage members of the public to confront individuals in these types of cases. “Anyone who has information about a possible child predator is requested to call the police before making contact so that the safety of all involved can be maintained,” the department stated.
Bensalem Police continue to investigate and maintain a proactive approach in cases involving online safety and unlawful contact with minors.
A Philadelphia man was arrested in Bensalem after police say he attempted to meet someone he believed was a minor following months of online messaging.