69 y/o arrested for soliciting a minor online

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Saraland Police Department arrested a 69-year-old man for attempting to solicit sex from a minor.

Patrick Tuohy Jr. of Mobile was arrested on Halloween for allegedly soliciting a child on the internet and attempting to posses obscene material according to Cpl. James Morton.

"He talks about meeting up for sexual activity was brought up and exchanging of inappropriate pictures," said Morton.

This arrest is the result of a Saraland Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Investigation. Morton is one of the detectives working with the program known as ICAC.

The department was asked to help out by the Alabama Bureau of Investigations. The program is used by law enforcement throughout the nation and gives officers the tools to catch child predators online.

Since the department got on board, it has been making some big arrests.

"Every time we have a new case, it's a new surprise," said Morton.

He said it’s also a surprise for the suspects.

"They have been anywhere from astonished and surprised to being ashamed," said Morton.

In a short period of time, the small department has arrested 13 people on 32 charges.

"They vary in different races, different professions different ages," said Morton.

Murali Krishna Reedy was a pediatric resident at USA Children’s and Women’s hospital when he was arrested by Saraland Police.

Reedy was the department’s first case to be tried in federal court and first conviction.

"Anytime we can help protect a child and keep from having to go through something horrific like this, it always is good to know we were able to do our part,” said Morton.

Morton says most of the time they don’t have to look too far to find these suspects.

A lot of those they have arrested have pleaded guilty or confessed on the spot.