A Stockton man is in the Fresno County jail following his arrest on charges that he arranged to meet a minor for sex.
John Plappert, 39, was arrested Wednesday night by detectives assigned to the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities say Plappert drove to Fresno on Wednesday night expecting to meet with a man who would allow him to rape a 9 year-old girl.
Sought Access to a Young Child
“ICAC detectives monitor social media platforms for potential sexual solicitations toward children,” the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Thursday. Plappert unknowingly contacted an undercover detective seeking access to a child, the release said. The detectives then set up a meeting location, where Plappert was arrested when he arrived.
His bail is set at $35,000.
Central Valley Internet Crimes Task Force
ICAC is comprised of 64 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies spread throughout nine counties in the Central Valley.
Authorities urge parents to monitor their children’s internet usage and be aware of software apps they are using. They warn online predators often pretend to be someone else in order to lure their victims in and take advantage of them. Children should be taught to be wary of others they might come into contact with online, officials said.
Reports of suspicious behavior can be made through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
