Russellville man faces stalking case

A man was arrested Wednesday on accusations that he tried to solicit sexual favors from a minor online, officials said.

Faulkner County sheriff's deputies arrested Dereck Mitchell, 39, of Russellville after a two-day investigation, according to a news release.

On Monday, authorities noticed a suspicious ad online that offered money in exchange for sexual contact from a girl, the release said.

Officials started to communicate with the person who posted the ad over text and on a mobile app, the release said. During those exchanges, the poster tried to solicit "illegal sexual contact" from an underage girl in exchange for money, drugs or both, the release said.

A meeting was arranged for Wednesday in Conway. When Mitchell arrived, he was arrested, the release said. Cash, a hotel key card, condoms, suspected marijuana and a cellphone were taken into police custody as evidence, officials said.

Mitchell was charged with Internet stalking of a child, a felony, as well as possession of a controlled substance and sexual solicitation, both misdemeanors.

He was being held at the Faulkner County jail without bail.

NW News on 03/19/2017

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