Solicitation Of A Minor Charge Filed Against Aberdeen Man

ABERDEEN, MD — A 31-year-old Aberdeen man has been arrested and charged with the solicitation of a minor in an undercover operation involving the Harford County Sheriff's Office and Chris Hansen of Takedown.

The Aberdeen resident, identified by the sheriff's office as Laurence B. Purser, was the third man arrested as part of the recent undercover operation.

"Throughout the course of our investigation, Purser engaged in explicit communication with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old female. Despite being repeatedly informed of the age assumed by the undercover detective, Purser arranged a specific date, time and location to meet the child," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said.

When Purser arrived at the agreed upon location, sheriff's deputies took him into custody without incident. He has been charged with the solicitation of a minor. Purser remains in custody at the Harford County Detention Center where he is being held without bond pending further judicial proceedings.

"Parents and caregivers, your involvement remains one of the strongest tools we have in preventing these crimes. Please continue to talk with your children about the risks posed by strangers online, stay aware of how they spend their time on digital platforms and know who they are interacting with. Your vigilance is a critical part of keeping Harford County' s children safe," Gahler said.

Related:

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• Youth Baseball Coach Charged With Child Solicitation In Harford Co.