Perryville Man Arrested For Soliciting Minor For Sex: Harford County Sheriff's Office

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A 30-year-old Perryville man has been arrested in connection to an investigation into the solicitation of minors online.

On July 22, detectives posed as a 13-year-old girl and interacted with Joshua John Brown on social media. During those online interactions, Brown identified himself as being 30 years old and repeatedly acknowledged the age difference between him and the fictitious girl, as well as the fact that what he was doing was illegal, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

"Despite expressing concerns about potential consequences, John continued to make sexually suggestive remarks and discussed the possibility of meeting. He suggested activities such as watching a movie, cuddling and getting close, while also inquiring about the girl’s sexual history," the sheriff's office disclosed.

Brown proposed the pair meet July 26 to have sex and emphasized the need for secrecy due to their age difference. When Brown arrived in the area of Courtland Place in Bel Air, plainclothes detectives found him. At first, he parked his vehicle behind an unmarked Harford County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. About five minutes, Brown moved his vehicle and parked near an alternate meeting location. Detectives maintained surveillance and confirmed the vehicle’s registration, and the sole occupant matched the suspect’s description, the sheriff's office said.

As Brown attempted to leave the area, detectives conducted a traffic stop and arrested him without incident. Brown was identified through his Maryland driver’s license and positively identified as the individual who had been communicating with the undercover detectives. Brown was taken to the Harford County Detention Center where he was initially held on $5,000 bail but has since been released after securing a bond.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may have been victimized by Brown or has any relevant information related to this case to come forward.

"Your cooperation can significantly contribute to the safety of our community and support the ongoing investigation. Remember, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of discussing online risks with your children. Encourage open and honest communication about online activities and remind them to never share personal information with strangers or agree to meet someone they have only interacted with online," the sheriff's office stated.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Scurto with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-836-5472.