The 34-year-old Hutchinson man accused of using his computer and cell phone to make contact with a 15-year-old girl for sexually explicits purposes made a first appearance via video from the Reno County Jail Monday.

Edward Anthony Rodriguez faces charges of attempted indecent liberties with a child, 10-counts of electronic solicitation of a child for sending photos of himself to the child some very graphic according to Police Captain Troy Hoover. He’s also charged with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior.

Hoover told us Friday that they’ve been working this case for a while now with the defendant believing he was in contact by e-mail on Facebook and text messaging with a 15-year-old girl. But, it was Police Detective Scott Carlton who he was communicating with.

Police apparently learned of the communication, and took over the website and continued to make contact back and fourth with Rodriguez

When he agreed to meet with what he thought was the 15-year-old girl at a Hutchinson home during the noon hour last Friday, he was met by detectives instead.

In court, Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell told the court the defendant had planned to take the 15-year-old to a local motel for the weekend.

Rodriguez wanted to be released saying he wants to be with his kids and also prepare to defend himself in this case. His mother also told the judge that she would have him come stay with her in Wichita, but Maxwell argued he’s an imminent danger to the community and wanted the bond left at 101,500.00. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen agreed saying even if he went to Wichita, he would be a danger to the community.

He’s expected back on court on Wednesday once the state files formal charges.

Via Hutchinson Post