Man facing child pornography charge

by Patrick Lynch

   A Harrisonburg man was arrested Wednesday on a charge of distributing child pornography after he traveled to this area of Bedford County thinking he was to meet a 13-year-old boy.

   Edward Earl Hargon, 31, had been in contact with undercover deputies from the Bedford County Sheriff's Office for about 30 to 45 days, Sheriff Mike Brown said.

   About noon Wednesday, Hargon notified a deputy who he thought was a 13-year-old boy that he was traveling to meet him, Brown said.

   "He was traveling to Bedford County with the explicit purpose of having sex with a 13-year-old boy," Brown said.

   In the days leading up to his arrest, Hargon had sent sexually explicit images of children to deputies through the Internet, Brown said.

   As of now, Brown said, the charges against Hargon relate to that incident only.

   In connection with Hargon's intent in journeying to Bedford County, Brown might charge Hargon with solicitation or attempted solicitation of sex with a minor.

   Brown characterized Hargon as a "traveler:" one who contacts children on the Internet and then travels long distances to meet them.

   The arrest came as a result of the work of Operation Blue Ridge Thunder, the sheriff's office's "crimes against children on the Internet" division.  The Operation is funded by a $200,000 federal grant.

   About a month ago, the operation's work resulted in the arrest of a one-time aide to a former West Virginia governor who traveled to the City of Bedford thinking he was to meet a teenage boy, according to the sheriff's office.

   Brown said Hargon's arrest is about the 15th as a result of Blue Ridge Thunder.  He said the operation has also sent tips to about 60 other law enforcement agencies.