A Pittsburgh man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he used an online chat platform to try to arrange sexual contact with a pre-teen girl, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week.
According to the Office of Attorney General, Eric T. Gillespie, 57, has been charged with four crimes, including several counts of unlawful contact with a minor. During the arraignment, a magisterial district judge rejected bail, citing Gillespie’s propensity for escape and public safety concerns.
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According to investigators, an agent from the Attorney General’s Office, posing as an adult and engaged Gillespie in an online conversation on a chat platform known to be used by people looking to exploit minors. During the exchange, Gillespie allegedly sought to set up a meeting with a pre-teen girl in Lebanon County.
Attorney General Sunday praised the agency’s Child Predator Section for its proactive work, highlighting the persistent risks that children face online. “This case is yet another example of the dangers that exist on anonymous chat platforms and other communication venues,” Sunday stated.
The investigation also revealed evidence that Gillespie may have communicated with or attempted to contact other minors. The matter was coordinated with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office and is still being investigated.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the Office of Attorney General at 800-385-1044 and ask for Agent Roby.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Janie Swinehart will prosecute the case. Authorities remind the public that all defendants are assumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
