Bristol man arrested in undercover investigation into attempted contact with minor
BRISTOL, PA — A 54-year-old man has been arrested after police say he engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl, then attempted to avoid capture by hiding inside his apartment.
According to investigators, the case began on March 21 when George Shetzline, of Park Avenue in Bristol, contacted an undercover profile on a social media dating app. Believing he was communicating with a juvenile, Shetzline allegedly sent explicit messages and photographs and discussed meeting the child at Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem. Police confirmed that no child was ever at risk during the investigation.
Bensalem Police obtained an arrest warrant charging Shetzline with attempted unlawful contact with a minor, dissemination of explicit sexual material to minors, and criminal use of a communication facility.
After failing to surrender, officers from Bensalem and Bristol Township went to Shetzline’s home. His girlfriend initially told officers he was not there, but a search revealed Shetzline hiding behind a couch. He was taken into custody without incident.
Police said charges of hindering apprehension are pending against the girlfriend for allegedly concealing his presence from authorities.
Shetzline was arraigned by District Justice Charles Jonas and committed to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $750,000 bail.
