Maryland Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Solicitation of a Minor: Police

A 30-year-old man from Maryland has been arrested and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor, according to the Maryland State Police. The suspect, identified as Mark Planamente of Parkville, was arrested on September 2, 2023, after investigators received a tip about alleged online activity involving a minor.

The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit began investigating Planamente after receiving the tip, which alleged that he had been soliciting sexual encounters with a minor online. Investigators posed as a 14-year-old male on an online dating app and conversed with Planamente, during which he allegedly solicited a sexual encounter.

Planamente was arrested without incident and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and displaying obscene material to a minor. He is currently being held without bond.

This is not the first time that a Maryland resident has been arrested for alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of Maryland teachers and other adults being charged with sexual abuse and other crimes involving minors.

In August 2023, a high school teacher in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of students. In another case, a man from the Eastern Shore of Maryland was arrested and charged with raping and sexually abusing a minor.

These cases highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from sexual predators. Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks associated with online activity and take steps to ensure that children and teens are safe while using the internet.

The Maryland State Police and other law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in sexual misconduct with minors. Anyone with information about such activity is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.

Conclusion

The arrest of Mark Planamente for alleged sexual solicitation of a minor is a reminder of the ongoing need to protect children and teens from sexual predators. Parents and guardians should be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activity and take steps to ensure their safety. The Maryland State Police and other law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in sexual misconduct with minors.