Man arrested for child stalking, soliciting sex

FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. -- (KLRT/KASN) -- A Russellville man is behind bars and accused of various crimes including stalking a child and soliciting sex.

On Wednesday, March 15, the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) arrested Dereck L. Mitchell, 39, of Russellville, after they saw that he had posted a suspicious online ad soliciting sex in exchange for money.

Posing as an interested party, undercover police contacted Mitchell. Mitchell talked with the "interested party" from March 13 to March 15 via a mobile app and text messages. During that time, police say he solicited what he thought was an underage girl for illegal sexual acts in exchange for money and or drugs.

Mitchell arranged to meet the girl at an agreed upon location in Conway on the afternoon of March 15. When Mitchell arrived, FCSO officials were waiting for him and placed him under arrest. Police say they confiscated cash, a hotel key card, condoms, suspected marijuana, and a cell phone.