HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 31-year-old business owner has been arrested after authorities said he attempted to meet and engage in sexual acts with a minor Friday morning.
According to Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s Facebook, investigators in the Internet Crimes Against Children’s Unit took Eduardo Ramirez Lepe into custody over the weekend for Online Solicitation of a Minor, which is a second-degree felony.
Investigators said that Eduardo Lepe arrived at a location in Houston to meet a young girl and engage in ‘sexual acts.’
Instead of meeting the minor, Lepe was confronted by an undercover officer who he had unknowingly been in communication with the entire time via social media.
During the online chat, Lepe made plans to meet with the minor and take her to a hotel where they would engage in sex acts.
Lepe told authorities that he worked for a Denny’s Restaurant in Houston. Additionally, county records show that Lepe is co-owner of Collection Affection, a business in Houston that ‘buys, sells, and trades Anime and hobby collectibles such as Pokeman, Funko Pops, and other items.’
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When Lepe arrived to meet with the minor, officials said he had brought flowers, condoms, and a loaded handgun.
At this time, Lepe is in the Harris County Jail with no bond set.
Authorities took the opportunity to encourage parents to closely monitor what their child is doing online to prevent things like this from happening further.
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