ME- Oakland police conduct sex sting

5-31-2008 Maine:

OAKLAND — Working with the national organization Perverted Justice, police on Friday night arrested a Swanville man in a sex sting.

Scott H. Ely, 37, of Swanville was arrested on a charge of attempted sexual abuse of a minor.

Arresting officer Rick Stubbert said Saturday that Perverted Justice arranges internet chats between people with a criminal history and people who pose as potential victims. Once a time and place for a sexual encounter is arranged, Stubbert said, police step in.

In this case, a 21-year-old woman posing as a 15-year-old waited for Ely on the front porch of an Oak Street home, Stubbert said. When Ely arrived and approached her, police arrested him.

Stubbert said that the arrest will not be aired on television. Some Perverted Justice sting operations have aired on network television.

Police took Ely, who has a criminal past, to Kennebec County Jail in Augusta, Stubbert said. Ely posted $1,000 unsecured bail and will be arraigned on the Class D misdemeanor on July 23 in Waterville District Court, Stubbert said.

Sexual abuse of a minor can become a felony when a sex act actually takes place, Stubbert said. ..News Source.. by Morning Sentinel Staff Report