Detectives from the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office nabbed an armed 46-year-old man Tuesday when he attempted to enter a girl’s home in the Almaville community. Sheriff Robert Arnold told WGNS News that this occured after the suspect met her on an internet chat room.
Arresting Detective Patty Hillis charged suspect Harry John Leschen of McEwen, Tennessee with statutory rape of the teen after he was accused of having sexual relations with her during the past few weeks while her parents were asleep. She also charged him with aggravated burglary and possession of a handgun.
Sheriff Arnold said, "Leschen was bold to enter the home with the parents home. The girl's father must have experienced high emotions with his daughter, and he had great restraint."
Detective Hillis said the teen and Leschen met about two months ago on the internet chat room Favtalk and communicated on Skype and chat rooms Favtalk and Kik. Leschen and the girl started inappropriate texting and sent pictures to each other.
“From the text messaging, they met for the first time,” Detective Hills said, adding, "Leschen apparently came to her home a few weeks ago when her parents were not at home. This developed into a more sexual relationship.”
During the investigation, Detective Hillis obtained the girl’s cellular telephone.
“I assumed her identity and talked with him from Friday until last night,” Detective Hillis said.
Commander Bill Sharp of the Criminal Investigations Division said Detectives Hillis and Troy Hooker obtained information the suspect planned to arrive at the girl’s home Tuesday night. They coordinated a plan for some detectives to conduct surveillance while other detectives waited nearby. Patrol deputies were in the area and acted as back up officers.
Sharp noted, “When the suspect arrived, detectives in the area of the house observed him approach and he was entering the house when detectives took him into custody. The suspect was armed with a handgun.”
Sharp commended Detectives Hooker, Hills and other investigators for their diligence in the investigation.
Detective Hooker said detectives conducted an operation to arrest Leschen, and “Everything was excellent."
Leschen was booked into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where he was released after posting a $350,000 bond Wednesday evening (4/3/2013). A hearing on his charges is scheduled June 5th in General Sessions Court.
Detective Hillis said anyone could be a victim of online stalkers on the internet. To help prevent adults taking advantage of children online, Detective Hillis suggested parents monitor their children’s telephones and access to the Internet regularly. He warned, “Young girls do not see themselves as victims when talking to older men."
