Maryland youth baseball coach charged with soliciting a minor, sheriff says

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Baseball coach charged with child solicitation, police say | FOX 5 AT 6AM

A Harford County, Maryland baseball coach is facing felony charges after police accused him of soliciting a minor.

A Maryland youth baseball coach has been charged with soliciting a minor after investigators say he used an online app to communicate with an undercover deputy posing as a 15‑year‑old boy, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

What we know:

Robert "Joe" Swarthout, 41, of Fallston faces two felony counts tied to the alleged solicitation. Detectives say Swarthout told them he coaches baseball for Fallston Recreation and previously worked for a national tutoring company.

According to the sheriff’s office, Swarthout continued communicating even after being repeatedly told the supposed teen’s age. 

Investigators say a meeting was arranged, and when Swarthout arrived at the designated location, deputies took him into custody.

Robert "Joe" Swarthout (Harford County Sheriff’s Office)

The Source: Information in this article comes from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

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