LOUISA CO., Va. (WRIC) — A Culpeper County man is facing up to 60 years in prison after being convicted on two counts of solicitation of a minor on Wednesday.
Back in January January, 29-year-old Ray C. Lester was nabbed during a Craigslist sting conducted by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Albemarle Police Department and the SOVA Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Lester believed he was soliciting a 14-year-old girl for sexual acts, however when he arrived at a location arranged online, he was met by members of the Task Force and arrested immediately. While searching his vehicle, officers found a pistol and rope, according to a release.
“This case is an example of why it is a priority to police the Internet,” Louisa County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire said, “Only Lester knows why he had a gun and rope for a meeting with a child, but the officers ensured it was not used. If the Task Force was not active online placing a shield over Louisa’s children, Mr. Lester would have likely met a real child. ”
Lester, who remains in custody at Central Virginia Regional Jail, was arrested on is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2014. Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Adam Ward, who prosecuted this case with McGuire, added. “We are thankful for the cooperation of the agencies and their commitment to protecting the children of Louisa.”
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