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PLEASANT GAP -- A local 54-year-old man is in prison, charged with trying to engage in sex with a 14-year-old female who was actually an undercover FBI agent.
Christopher Z. Morelli allegedly began conversing by private digital messaging with the minor in July 2022 through this month, asking to "hang out" with the girl, that he could buy her outfits including "sexy things," that the girl could model for Morelli at a hotel, according to law enforcement.
Authorities allege Morelli asked the undercover agent several times if she would go to a hotel with him and do a "photo shoot," during which Morelli and the girl could engage in potential sexual acts, according to the arrest affidavit.
The FBI alleges Morelli also told the girl he desired that she visit his home.
He also allegedly provided the girl with sexually explicit images of himself.
According to the DA, in May 2021 the FBI created an account on an Internet-based social media application (app). On that social media platform, users can tap on the picture of another social media user, and the app will display a brief profile for that user, as well as the option to chat, send pictures, and share one's precise location.
The complaint recounts that, in July 2022, Morelli began having communications with an undercover FBI agent whom he believed to be a 14 -year-old female. In those communications, Morelli allegedly repeatedly attempted to arrange meetings for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations, sent indecent images of himself, and solicited images for the purpose of sexual gratification. These communications continued through Dec. 15, of 2023.
Morelli was arraigned Wednesday morning before Magisterial District Judge Greg Koehle.
He is charged with unlawful contact with a minor-sexual offenses, and criminal use of a communications device.
He is in the Centre County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.