Texarkana Police Officers apprehended a 35-year-old man, Matthew Riddle, on Tuesday for alleged Child Grooming, a felony offense, following reports of him sending sexually suggestive messages and videos to multiple girls under the age of 18. Riddle, who had contact with these minors through their participation in youth sports activities, is suspected of utilizing such interactions to manipulate and establish trust with the victims, a tactic commonly employed by individuals seeking to exploit minors.
While specific details of the incidents were not disclosed, Child Grooming, a relatively new law in Texas implemented last September, aims to safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The legislation targets adults who establish relationships with minors with the intent of engaging in sexual misconduct or trafficking.
This arrest marks the first instance of law enforcement action under this statute in the region and possibly the first in northeast Texas. Riddle is currently detained at the Bi-State Jail, with his bail set at $100,000.
