Texas DPS Arrest Tyler, TX Man After Online Solicitation Sting

It was just a few weeks ago that I was telling you about six predators that were arrested in Tyler, Texas during a undercover sting operation attempting to catch adults trying to meet underage victims for sex acts. Normally, when these sting operations take place it reduces the number of people committing these crimes as they know police are working to eliminate this type of crime. But there is another story to tell you about as recently there was another man placed under arrest after trying to meet a minor after exchanging messages.  

The details were released by KLTV, regarding 20-year-old Ian Bell being taken into custody by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The arrest took place on Wednesday, October 11th as Bell was leaving his residence to meet the minor at a pre-arranged location.  

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What Happened With the Online Investigation? 

Bell was attempting to arrange a meeting with a minor in an attempt for sex via text message. At the time of his arrest Bell admitted to officers that he knew the person he was texting with stated that they were 16 years old and his desire to have sex with the minor. The suspect also gave permission to law enforcement to search his cellphone, which confirmed what they already knew. 

What Charges Were Filed? 

Ian Bell was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on a charge of online solicitation of a minor which is a third-degree felony. According to jail records he is still behind bars as he has not posted bail which is currently set at $100,000.