ELLERBE — Investigators have charged a man who allegedly thought he was soliciting a teen for sex.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Von Hassell Simmons Jr., of Ellerbe, made contact in late 2022 with an undercover agent outside the county who was posing as a 15-year-old.
During that time, Simmons allegedly sent photos of himself to the agent, who was believed to be a minor.
The investigation began Dec. 2, 2022 and Simmons was arrested Jan. 17, according to the sheriff’s office.
Simmons is charged with one felony count each of soliciting a child by computer to commit unlawful sex and disseminating obscenity.
He was booked into the Richmond County Jail under a $15,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 26. Records appear to show Simmons has been released.
Simmons appears to have no pending charges or prior convictions in North Carolina or neighboring South Carolina counties.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
