Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
A rural Shawano teen was charged Friday with using the Internet to set up a sexual rendezvous with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl.
Ethan R. R. Magee, 18, became the second person this week arrested in computer sex stings conducted by Shawano County sheriff’s detectives.
He was arrested Thursday after showing up at a pre-arranged location in the town of Wescott allegedly expecting to have sex with a minor, according to the criminal complaint.
A sheriff’s detective working undercover as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force responded Thursday to an Internet ad titled “Looking for sex in Shawano.”
The detective identified himself as a 15-year-old girl and texts were exchanged, including sexually graphic messages and references to sex toys, that eventually led to the rendezvous being set up.
Magee was taken into custody without incident when he showed up.
According to the complaint, “numerous sexual devices” were found in his vehicle.
Magee was freed on a $5,000 signature bond after a hearing Friday before Shawano-Menominee County Judge James Habeck. He is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance Oct. 19.
Magee could face a maximum 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine if convicted of using a computer to facilitate a sex crime.
Earlier this week, Lawrence A. Wafer, of Fond du Lac, was arrested in a similar sting operating. He faces the same charge, along with possession of child pornography.
He was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond and is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance Oct. 12.