HERNANDO, Miss.–Using the internet to try to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex is the charge against Danny Earl Lester, Jr., 36, of Hernando. He was arrested Thursday by the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The AG’s office did not offer much info on how the two met or how Lester was caught.
Lester is accused of traveling to Southaven for the meeting.
“On the internet, perverts can hide their motives and disguise themselves with a friendly face. They are known to use games, chats, social media, and other online platforms to lure children into a bad situation,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.
“Thursday’s arrest is another example of why we formed the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Mississippi. Dedicated agents from partner state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies, such as Southaven Police Department, protect our children and youth every day. I especially thank the hard working detectives from Southaven Police who worked exceptionally hard on this operation.”
Hood urged parents to talk with their children, school and church leaders about online safety.
“Call my office and ask for a speaker who can help your school or community organization with online safety. Every day I pray for the safety of our children, and I am thankful each time I can stop a pedophile before a child is hurt.”
Lester was in the Desoto county jail awaiting his initial appearance. Bond has not yet been set.
