Man Accused of Soliciting Sex from Hellertown Teen in Exchange for Drugs

An Allentown man is accused of soliciting sex from a teenage girl in Hellertown by offering her drugs, money and rides in a series of text messages authorities say were exchanged between September 2016 and Jan. 12 of this year, according to court records cited in an article published Wednesday by WFMZ Channel 69 News.

Police say Francisco Arias, 43, of the 1200 block of Troxell Street, came under suspicion following a Jan. 6 anonymous tip about a girl allegedly engaging in prostitution on Second Avenue, and that text conversations found on his phone–in which he claimed he was joking–included offers of cash, transportation and marijuana in exchange for sex, the article states.

According to court records, Arias is charged with Unlawful Contact With a Minor-Prostitution (Felony 3), Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3), Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1), Patronizing Prostitutes (Misdemeanor 3) and two drug-related misdemeanors.

Following a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Anthony G. Rapp Jr. in district court in Lower Saucon Township, Arias was released after posting 10 percent of $5,000 bail Wednesday, court records state.

A preliminary hearing before Rapp is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 6.

It was not clear from the news story or court records if the girl will possibly face any charges as a juvenile.