By Charlie Breitrose
A man who drove from Connecticut to Watertown to allegedly have sex with an underage girl was arrested yesterday and faces multiple charges.
Paul R. Hinkel, 56, of Chester, Conn., faces federal charges that he persuaded, induced, enticed or coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a press release from United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz’s office.
“We vigorously pursue defendants who intend to use the Internet to evade detection and to infringe on the protections of children,” Ortiz said.
Hinkel responded to an ad on Craigslist which he thought was placed by a woman who was looking for a man to have a “relatioship” which would also include her underage daughter. The ad, however, was placed by undercover Homeland Security Investigation agents, according to the announcement.
The Watertown Police Department and Massachusetts State Police assisted with the arrest. The suspect will remain in federal custody until a detention hearing to be held on March 24.