BEL AIR, Md. — A Harford County man has been arrested as the third suspect charged in an ongoing undercover operation targeting adults accused of attempting to meet children for sex, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler announced Monday that deputies arrested Laurence B. Purser, 31, of Aberdeen, following an investigation in which detectives posed online as a 14-year-old girl.
According to the sheriff’s office, Purser engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover detective and continued communicating after being repeatedly told the person was 14 years old.
Undercover operation led to arrest
Investigators said Purser arranged “a specific date, time, and location to meet the child.”
When he arrived at the predetermined meeting location, deputies took him into custody without incident.
Purser has been charged with solicitation of a minor and is being held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.
The arrest marks the third announced in the sheriff’s office’s latest online child exploitation operation. Earlier arrests involved other suspects accused of arranging meetings with undercover detectives posing as minors.
Sheriff urges parents to stay involved
Sheriff Gahler used the announcement to encourage parents to remain engaged in their children’s online activity.
“Parents and caregivers, your involvement remains one of the strongest tools we have in preventing these crimes,” Gahler said. “Please continue to talk with your children about the risks posed by strangers online, stay aware of how they spend their time on digital platforms, and know who they are interacting with.”
Authorities have indicated additional information may be released as the broader investigation continues.
The charge against Purser is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- A 31-year-old Aberdeen man is the third suspect arrested in Harford County’s latest online child predator investigation.
- Detectives said the suspect arranged to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
- The suspect was arrested at the meeting location and is being held without bond.
FAQ
Who was arrested?
Laurence B. Purser, 31, of Aberdeen, Maryland.
What is he accused of?
Solicitation of a minor following an undercover online investigation.
How was the investigation conducted?
An undercover detective posed as a 14-year-old girl and communicated with the suspect online.
Where is the suspect being held?
At the Harford County Detention Center without bond pending court proceedings.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes. The sheriff’s office has described this as the third arrest connected to the operation.
Source: Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Harford County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
Authorities arrested a third suspect in an undercover child predator investigation after deputies say he arranged to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
