2nd Paradise man accused of using social media alias to lure a minor for sex
A 32-year-old man from Paradise, N.L., has been accused of using at least one fake social media account to lure a person under 18 for sex.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said in a press release Wednesday that officers have arrested Stephen Morrissey and charged him with sexual assault and sexual interference.
The force said an investigation was sparked by a tip in November 2022. Information obtained from warrants led to Morrissey's arrest, the RNC said.
"The investigative team believes Morrissey had been utilizing an alias, 'Elijah Mooner,' on social media applications, and are seeking any information connected to this identity," the release said.
Const. James Cadigan, the force's media officer, said Morrissey was using Snapchat and may have been using other apps.
Police say the investigation remains open.
The accusations against Morrissey mirror those racked up by 32-year-old Markus Hicks, also of Paradise, who's been slapped with dozens of sexual violence charges in the last month. Police say Hicks was using multiple fake accounts on social media and dating sites to lure adults and children.
Cadigan told CBC News police don't believe the two cases are connected.
Morrissey was set to appear in provincial court Wednesday.
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