Youngstown State University student picked up in Austintown sex sting

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio -- (WKBN) -- A Youngstown State University student from Orwell was picked up in the Austintown Police Department's latest sex sting.

Police said 22-year-old Albert Maruna, IV believed that he was talking to a 15-year-old boy online, but it was really an undercover officer.

Conversations with Maruna began on December 5 after Maruna responded to a posting on a dating application, according to a police report.

The officer told Maruna that he was 15 at which time Maruna responded that he didn't believe in age, according to the report.

Police said Maruna's conversations soon turned to the topic of sexual activity, and Maruna sent nude photographs to the officer. Police said it was evident that he started to develop feelings for the “teen boy” as he told the officer, “You are my one and only” and that he would like to be his husband some day.

According to a police report, Maruna tried to arrange a meeting with the officer, requesting that he wear a jock strap during their time together.

Police said on Tuesday afternoon, Maruna arranges to meet the officer at a location in Austintown, telling him that he is bringing lube, Sprite and Chicken Alfredo.

Maruna was then arrested and charged with importuning, disseminating matter harmful or obscene to juveniles, possession of criminal tools and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Police said he was found with the items, including a Tupperware container of chicken alfredo.