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Child Predator Arrested in Colonial Heights
A 26-year-old man from Colonial Heights, Virginia, has pleaded guilty to using a means or facility of interstate commerce to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of receipt of child pornography. Robert Kropp, 26, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, when he is sentenced on August 2, 2013.
According to the plea agreement, Kropp began communicating with a woman who had advertised herself on the internet as a 19-year-old prostitute in March 2013. He asked the woman if she knew of anyone younger with whom he could engage in sexual activity. The woman’s account was later taken over by law enforcement, who continued to communicate with Kropp while posing as the female.
During these conversations, Kropp indicated a desire to meet with an individual that he believed to be the prostitute’s 13-year-old cousin to engage in sexual activity. Kropp then began communicating via text message with the purported 13-year-old, including sending sexually suggestive messages and images to the minor. On March 7, 2013, Kropp arrived at a hotel in Richmond where he believed he would be meeting the 13-year-old to engage in sexual activity.
Kropp was subsequently arrested, and in an interview with law enforcement, admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography as well. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Henrico County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Mickelson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jeffrey C. Mazanec, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field office made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
The case against Kropp highlights the dangers of online predators and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to protect children from exploitation. As Kropp faces sentencing, the community is left to wonder how many other potential victims may have been targeted by this child predator.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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