Fulton (WYSR-TV) – State Police say a Fulton man who
tried use Facebook to lure a young boy into a sexual encounter used the would-be victim’s friends list on the social networking site to find other potential victims.
They say three more families have emerged since Neal Hart’s arrest on Friday to tell them that the 31-year-old tried to lure other victims.
State Police say the suspect’s alleged activities should serve as a warning to young people who use social media such as Facebook.
According to police, Hart posed as 29-year-old “Ben Smith” and offered to pay teenage boys money for sex.
Police say that, in this case, the boys did the right thing by telling their parents about the man who was sending them messages that complimented their looks or tried to entice them into meetings.
In one instance, police took over a boy’s account and set up a meeting. When Hart arrived at what he thought would be a sexual rendezvous, was instead greeted by police and arrested.
He has been charged with attempted criminal sex act, attempted disseminating indecent material to a minor, and tampering with physical evidence.
Police say that additional charges are possible.
If your child has been contacted by a person named “Ben Smith” on Facebook, you should call police at (315) 598-2112.
