The Hillsborough Police Department arrested three men during the weekend following separate investigations into the solicitation of minors. Police have taken 36-year-old Timothy William (Bill) Armstrong of Hurdle Mills, 52-year-old Howard Anttwein Cox (Johnson) of Durham and 28-year-old Tyron Paul Smith of Woodleaf (a town in Union County) into custody. Armstrong and Smith were both arrested in Hillsborough, while Cox was arrested at a business along U.S. Highway 70.
The department says it was aided in the investigations by “a private group that works to identify individuals attempting to engage in unlawful contact with minors.” Police say in each case, members of the group contacted law enforcement after detaining the individuals and then provided electronic evidence. In at least one instance, according to police, the group detained an individual until law enforcement arrived.
“The Hillsborough Police Department recognizes the community’s shared concern for the safety and well-being of children and appreciates individuals who report suspicious or concerning behavior,” said Captain Richard Hooks. “We encourage all community members to promptly share information with law enforcement so it can be addressed safely and effectively. For the safety of all involved and to protect the integrity of potential criminal cases, individuals should not attempt to conduct independent enforcement actions.”
All three men have been charged with solicitation of a minor by computer, which is a felony. Armstrong has been issued a $10,000 secured bond, while the other two men are being held without bond.
The Hillsborough Police say they will “continue to review the evidence” in each case to determine if additional violations occurred. Anyone with information on the cases is asked to contact Sergeant Alex Gregory at 919-296-9543 or t alex.gregory@hillsboroughnc.gov. Anonymous tips can be called in at 919-296-9555 or by using the See it, Say it, Send it website.
Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group
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