The Montgomery Country District Attorney announced today the arrest of a Lafayette Hill Man on felony charges, including the Attempted Involuntary Sexual Assault of a Child under 16 years of age. Below is the full text of the press release:

NORRISTOWN, Pa.— Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, East Norriton Township Police Chief Karyl Kates and the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announce the arrest of Michael Straff, 58, of Lafayette Hill for felony charges including the Attempted Involuntary Sexual Assault of a Child under 16 years of age, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, and
Criminal Use of a Communication Facility.

On April 5, 2016 East Norriton Township Detective Henricks responded to an online advertisement that appeared to be soliciting minors. During the next 13 days, Det. Henricks, acted in an undercover capacity while posing as a 14-year-old girl. He repeatedly engaged in two-way, electronic communications with the target of this investigation, later identified as Straff.

The electronic communications between Straff and Det. Henricks were specific and detailed. On multiple occasions, Straff described the specific sex acts he wished to perform on the person he believed to be a 14-year-old female. He also emailed a photograph of his private parts to Det. Henricks.

Through these conversations, a meeting was set so Straff could perform sexual acts on whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The meeting was set for 6:30 p.m., April 14 at 100 W. Germantown Pike in East Norriton Township. Members of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and the ICAC Task Force assembled to assist Det. Henricks with Straff’s arrest. Straff arrived at the designated meeting location at 6:28 p.m. and was arrested shortly thereafter.

Straff was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Cathleen Rebar. Bail was set at $1.5 million cash. He failed to post bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 4 in front of Magisterial District Judge Ester Casillo.

Major Crimes Detectives of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau routinely work with ICAC Task Force and its affiliates to aggressively and proactively investigate Internet crimes of a sexual nature committed against children.