An individual from Earl Township has been apprehended by state police in Colebrookdale Township after attempting to meet a 15-year-old girl for illicit purposes, according to authorities.

The man, identified as 38-year-old David G. Mayberry, had been engaging in conversations through a social media app with whom he believed to be a teenage girl. However, unbeknownst to Mayberry, he was actually communicating with an undercover trooper, deployed by the state police.

Mayberry, residing in the first block of Acorn Lane, now faces multiple charges, including unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, criminal use of a communication facility, and dissemination of explicit sexual material to a minor.

Following his arraignment before District Judge Rick Drumheller in Colebrookdale Township, Mayberry was remanded to Berks County Prison, where he will await further legal proceedings. A bail amount of $50,000 has been set.

Undercover Operation by State Police

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the investigation began on January 11, when a trooper from the Computer Crime Task Force initiated an undercover chat on a popular social media platform, posing as a 15-year-old girl.

During the course of their online interaction, the trooper noticed a post by an individual later identified as Mayberry. The content of the post contained language commonly associated with solicitation of sexual activity with minors, as indicated by the trooper’s training and expertise.

Seizing the opportunity to gather evidence, the trooper engaged Mayberry in conversation and explicitly stated the age of the fictional teen. Mayberry, revealing his name as Dave and age as 38, responded by sending a partially nude photograph of himself.

The conversations continued for several days, with Mayberry eventually proposing a physical meeting with the supposed minor. In an attempt to verify her identity, Mayberry requested assurance that she was not a law enforcement officer.

The situation escalated on the evening of January 22, when Mayberry drove to the agreed-upon meeting location. However, upon his arrival, law enforcement promptly arrested him.

Legal Consequences and Further Proceedings

David G. Mayberry is now facing serious charges related to his attempted sexual encounter with a minor. The charges include unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, criminal use of a communication facility, and dissemination of explicit sexual material to a minor.

After his arraignment, Mayberry was incarcerated at Berks County Prison, where he will remain until his scheduled hearing. A bail amount of $50,000 has been imposed as a condition for his temporary release.

Law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from online predators. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard our communities.