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WORTHINGTON — A Worthington man is charged with soliciting a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct, a felony-level offense that carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both.
On July 6, dispatch received a phone call from a mother who wanted to report that an adult male was sending messages of a sexual nature to her underage child.
Law enforcement spoke with the mother who further stated that the man — later identified as Jorge Alberto Gonzales, 23 — added the victim on Snapchat several days prior and was sending the victim messages, reportedly stating he wanted to have sex with the victim.
The mother stated Gonzalez knew the victim was underage and still sent the messages, some of which included explicit language. The mother took the victim's phone and was responding to Gonzalez for approximately one to two days without him knowing.
According to the criminal complaint, the age difference between the victim and Gonzalez was discussed, and Gonzalez stated he did not care.
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Arrangements were made to meet at the Worthington Walmart, where Gonzalez believed he would be meeting the victim.
The mother provided officers with Gonzalez's location, photographs, and license plate number.
After reviewing the messages on the victim's phone, officers made contact with Gonzalez. He was arrested and transported to Nobles County Jail, where he declined to provide a statement.
Conditional bail was set at $10,000. Gonzalez is set to make his initial court appearance on July 19.
