Hatboro police say a 76-year-old borough resident was arrested after he allegedly tried to pay a 15-year-old girl online for photos of her feet and offered her cash for sex. Detectives report that an undercover officer took over the teen’s account, arranged a meeting at the Wawa on South York Road, and officers moved in, arresting the suspect at the store. Police say they seized the man’s cellphone at the scene and have launched a broader investigation into whether there may be other victims.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, investigators identified the suspect as Dennis Reilly and allege he offered $100 for each photo of the teen’s feet and $300 to meet her in person. The outlet reports that the meeting was set up last Thursday, and police arrested Reilly the following Friday. He is charged with criminal solicitation -- statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, trafficking in individuals, and criminal use of a communications facility.
What the charges mean
Unlawful contact with a minor and statutory sexual assault are felonies under Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and carry significant potential penalties, including prison time and sex-offender registration. As outlined in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, criminal solicitation or an attempt to commit a sexual offense is generally graded at the level of the most serious underlying crime, which can increase both possible incarceration and registration requirements.
Arrest, bail and where the case goes next
Per NBC10 Philadelphia, Reilly’s bail was set at $99,000 cash, and he was committed to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12 at 11 a.m. in Montgomery County. Hatboro police are asking anyone who believes they had similar online interactions or who has additional information to contact the department at 215-675-2832.
The charges are allegations, and Reilly is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to spot adults who try to exploit teenagers online, and investigators say community tips remain a key part of their work as they continue to dig into the allegations.
