Police: Man sent graphic texts to kids, adults

November 7, 2011 at 9:36a.m.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man is in custody after police say he randomly sent hundreds of sexually explicit text messages to various phone numbers, including some to children.

Police say one child who received sexual messages from 43-year-old Edwin Meharey was 9 years old. Meharey allegedly sent victims graphic messages and solicited sexual contact.

The New Kensington man was arraigned Sunday on three felony charges. Investigators say he admitted to police that he sent the messages using a pre-paid cell phone he purchased for exactly that purpose.

Authorities say Meharey told officers he continued to send the explicit messages even after being told to stop or that he was communicating with a minor.

Meharey is being held on $5,000 bail. Online court records do not list an attorney for him.