A 27-year-old man is facing serious charges after a missing 14-year-old girl from the Pittsburgh area was found at his home on the other side of Pennsylvania — after he allegedly used social media to lure her there.
Who Was Arrested?
Christopher P. Jones, 27, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, was arrested by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force along with the Whitehall Borough Police Department.
Charges He Is Facing
- Unlawful contact with a minor
- Corruption of a minor
- Criminal attempt to commit multiple sex offenses
What Happened?
The teenager was reported missing from Whitehall, Pennsylvania on Sunday. Investigators tracked her online activity and located her at Jones’ home in Nanticoke — approximately 250 miles from her home.
According to the complaint, Jones told the girl what clothes to pack and instructed her they would use a cover story that he was her father.
How Was She Found?
Authorities said Jones used the chat platform Discord to make contact with the teen. A missing endangered person advisory had been issued Sunday, and Pennsylvania State Police had warned she may be at special risk of harm.
Multiple agencies worked together to locate her, including:
- FBI
- Secret Service
- Allegheny County Police
- Nanticoke Police
A Warning for Parents
Whitehall Police Chief Jason Gagorik urged parents to stay involved in their children’s online activity.
“Social media can be a powerful tool — not just for connection, but for locating individuals in urgent situations,” Gagorik said. “We encourage parents to maintain open conversations with their children about online activity.”
The teen has since been found safe.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
