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Columbus man arrested for child exploitation in online relationship with 13-year-old

By Aaron Burd

Columbus man arrested for child exploitation in online relationship with 13-year-old

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus man was arrested Friday on child exploitation charges stemming from an online relationship with a 13-year-old, in which he attempted to solicit sexual acts from the minor over the internet.

Adrian Hernandez, 32, was charged with importuning, a third-degree felony, and disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile, a fourth-degree felony, after being arrested at his work by Columbus SWAT. The arrest came after an investigation conducted by the Columbus Police Exploited Children Unit and Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

He's accused of luring a minor into an online relationship with knowledge of their age. Hernandez allegedly groomed the minor by sending "instructional" pornographic videos to include nude images of himself, according to police. Then, he attempted to solicit sexual acts through online communications and planned to meet the minor.

Communications between Hernandez and the victim were taken to police upon discovery. The minor is safe and has been connected to resources.

The Exploited Children Unit reminded parents to monitor their children's online and social media activity, and to speak with them regularly about online safety.

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