HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 71-year-old Greensburg man has been arrested and charged with stalking and attempting to solicit sex from a 13-year-old girl at her bus stop, Pennsylvania State Police said. Michael Thomas was taken into custody on Friday after a series of incidents reported to the Hempfield Area School District.
According to police, the girl reported that Thomas made inappropriate sexual comments and offered her money while she waited for her school bus on the mornings of October 16 and 17. The victim told school officials that Thomas, her neighbor, gave her a $20 bill and made remarks about her appearance, including a comment that he would “like to see her suck on that lollipop.”
A school resource officer reported the incidents to state police, leading to an investigation. Police said they identified Thomas as the suspect and relocated the victim’s bus stop for her safety. On October 18, troopers observed Thomas walking near the intersection where the girl had previously waited for the bus and confronted him.
During an interview with police, Thomas allegedly admitted to making the comments because he was attracted to the girl. He was charged with indecent solicitation, corruption of minors, and stalking. Thomas was arraigned and held at Westmoreland County Prison on $75,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing, according to authorities.
