Lawrence Edward Paul, 59, was arrested Monday at Ingram Park Mall after investigators say he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with people he believed were minors. He was charged with online solicitation of a minor, a third-degree felony, according to the sheriff’s office. The arrest capped an undercover operation by detectives who have been targeting online predators in Bexar County.
According to KSAT, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the Human Exploitation Unit led the probe with help from a U.S. Secret Service agent. Investigators report that the agent first posed as a 15-year-old and later as a 17-year-old during online chats, and that Paul used the screen name “cheer dad.” Detectives say the conversations turned explicit and that Paul agreed to meet the supposed 17-year-old at the mall to buy clothing. Deputies were waiting there and took him into custody.
Sheriff's Reaction
Salazar called the case “extremely disturbing” and said it “shows a very sick individual,” according to KSAT. The outlet also reported that while deputies were at Paul’s residence, an adult approached them and an offense report was filed. Salazar told reporters Paul had no prior criminal history, the sheriff’s office said.
How the Sting Fits a Pattern
Bexar County has run similar undercover operations in recent months. In January, deputies arrested a San Antonio man who investigators say planned to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News. Officials have said some of the leads in these cases trace back to Secret Service training sessions that generated tips for local investigators to chase down.
Legal Note
Paul faces a third-degree felony charge. Under Texas law, a third-degree felony carries a punishment range of two to ten years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to Justia, which publishes Texas Penal Code §12.34. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue additional counts as detectives continue to follow up on possible leads.
How to Report
Sheriff Salazar urged anyone with information, or anyone who believes they had contact with Paul, to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 210-335-6000 or email [email protected], as noted by the San Antonio Express-News. Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims and are asking the public to come forward so detectives can follow up.
