By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

William Gerrard Frederick

ETNA GREEN — An Etna Green man was recently arrested after an online group which works to expose child predators allegedly caught him planning to engage in sexual activity with a child.

William Gerrard Frederick, 52, 6692 N. 800W, Etna Green, is charged with child solicitation, a level 5 felony.

On May 6, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of unwanted individuals at a residence in Etna Green. The deputy met with a Bikers Against Predators representative, who said Frederick was posing as a 17-year-old teenager and messaged a decoy Frederick believed to be an underage girl.

According to court documents, a KCSO detective obtained a transcript of the messages between Frederick and the decoy. In the messages, the decoy stated their age and grade multiple times. Frederick repeatedly asked the decoy for nude pictures and described sexual acts they would engage in together.

The detective then contacted Frederick, who admitted he messaged the individual about sexual topics and believed they were underage. Frederick also said he asked for nude pictures and attempted to have the decoy meet them at his home.

Frederick was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on May 12, with a $15,250 surety and cash bond.