Convicted sex offender is accused of trying to have sex with boy in Pierce City

August 08, 2011|edited news release

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- A man from Pierce City was in the Lawrence County jail on Monday after being charged with trying to meet a young boy for a sexual encounter. Officers arrested William Rohe, 54, at the Pierce City Park on Saturday. Investigators say Rohe is convicted sex offender who had not registered with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.

Agents of the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and Pierce City Police Department participated in the surveillance and arrest. Law enforcement officials from Pierce City notified the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force that a man was contacting young boys online.

During the investigation, Jasper County Sheriff’s Detective Ed Bailey, a Task Force agent, made contact with Rohe through a social networking website at the request of another agent. Rohe initiated a chat session that led to the meeting at the park. Rohe was arrested when he arrived at the designated site in the park.

Rohe is charged with one count of enticement of a child whom he believed to be under 15 years of age. A judge set his bond at $75,000. Officers also obtained a search warrant for his home in Pierce City following the arrest, leading to the seizure of several computers and other evidence.

More charges are possible. Detectives ask, if you have information about Rohe or any child with whom he may have had contact, that you contact the Pierce City Police Department, the Cassville Police Department, Barry County Sheriff’s Department, or Detective Bailey at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department in Joplin.

|

|

|