A lifetime registered sex offender is behind bars in Bucks County after Bensalem Township police say an online investigation led them to a 47-year-old man who believed he was talking to a 13-year-old. Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of Adner Pagan-Fred, who investigators say was traced through alleged online contacts that triggered a criminal complaint. Multiple agencies helped track him down, and he is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility, according to officials.
What police allege
According to Bensalem Township Police, the investigation began in mid-June, when Pagan-Fred allegedly started messaging someone he believed was 13 years old.
Investigators say he initiated the conversation on a social and dating app on June 17, then quickly shifted into sexually explicit communication. Police allege he described specific sexual acts, asked for explicit photographs, and pushed for an in-person meet-up and ongoing relationship.
On July 2, a warrant was obtained for unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children, and related offenses, according to Bensalem Township Police. The charges remain allegations that will be tested in court.
Prior entries in local court files
Public magisterial listings show Pagan-Fred’s name in earlier Chester County dockets tied to East Whiteland, indicating previous appearances in magisterial court in that jurisdiction. Those entries appear in the county’s public records, per Chester County court records.
Arraigned and held
Authorities say East Whiteland police picked up Pagan-Fred on a Bensalem Township arrest warrant on July 7. He was arraigned the same day before Magisterial District Judge Kevin Wagner Sr.
Bensalem officials say he was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility after bail was set at 10 percent of $15,000,000.00, according to Bensalem Township Police.
What Megan’s Law requires
Under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law framework, people convicted of qualifying sexual offenses must register with the state and may face long-term or lifetime registration depending on the offense and classification. The state registry outlines how often registrants must verify their information and how communities may be notified, per Pennsylvania Megan's Law.
Legal context
The warrant cites offenses that fall under 18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 63, including unlawful contact with a minor (18 Pa.C.S. § 6318) and sexual abuse of children (18 Pa.C.S. § 6312). Those sections carry felony penalties and tie directly into Pennsylvania’s registration and notification rules for sexual offenders, per 18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 63.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the courts will determine the formal charging documents and what happens next as the case moves through the local system. Police say the investigation is ongoing and that partner agencies continue to assist as detectives gather additional evidence.
This story will be updated as new court records and official filings become available.
