Hopkins County Sheriff's Office Investigators made an arrest of an individual attempting to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. On December 7, 2023, the arrested party, William (Bill) Blackwell, was in contact with a victim via online messenger that he believed was a 15 year old male. During the conversation, Blackwell made arrangements to pick up the minor for a weekend stay at his residence. Blackwell also solicited the minor using an online application to engage in deviant sexual intercourse.
Shortly before 5 p.m. on December 8, 2023, Blackwell arrived at the meeting location at Buford Parkin Sulphur Springs to meet with the minor. Blackwell was taken into custody at the meeting location and transported to the Sheriff's Office.
William (Bill) Edward Blackwell, 63, of Sulphur Springs, Texas was booked into Hopkins County Jail on the following charge: Online Solicitation of a Minor Sexual Conduct (second-degree felony).
