The Harford County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center, announces the arrest of Joshua John Brown, 30, of Perryville, following an undercover investigation targeting the solicitation of minors online. The investigation commenced on July 22, 2024, when detectives, posing as a 13-year-old girl, interacted with a suspect on a social media platform.
During the online interactions, the suspect, who later identified himself as a 30-year-old man named ‘John,’ repeatedly acknowledged the age difference and the illegality of his actions. Despite expressing concerns about potential consequences, ‘John’ continued to make sexually suggestive remarks and discussed the possibility of meeting. He suggested activities such as watching a movie, cuddling, and getting close, while also inquiring about the girl’s sexual history. The suspect proposed meeting on July 26, 2024, with the intention of engaging in sexual activity, while emphasizing the need for secrecy due to the age differences.
On July 26, 2024, the suspect arrived in the area of Courtland Place in Bel Air, where plainclothes detectives observed him. Initially, he parked his vehicle behind an unmarked Harford County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. After approximately five minutes, the suspect relocated his vehicle and parked near an alternate meeting location. Detectives maintained surveillance and confirmed the vehicle’s registration, and the sole occupant matched the suspect’s description.
As Brown attempted to leave the area, detectives conducted a traffic stop and arrested him without incident. Brown was identified through his Maryland driver’s license and positively identified as the individual who had been communicating with the undercover detectives. Brown was subsequently transported to the Harford County Detention Center where he was initially held on $5,000 bail but has since been released after securing a bond.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may have been victimized by Joshua John Brown or has any relevant information related to this case to come forward. Your cooperation can significantly contribute to the safety of our community and support the ongoing investigation. Remember it is crucial to emphasize the importance of discussing online risks with your children. Encourage open and honest communication about online activities and remind them to never share personal information with strangers or agree to meet someone they have only interacted with online.
The Harford County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a multidisciplinary, child-friendly location that has been operational since August 1993. We are committed to implementing best practices in the investigation and intervention of crimes against children. Our team comprises a Coordinator, Forensic Interviewers, Family Advocates, Therapists, a Pediatrician, County, State, and Federal Law Enforcement personnel, as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys. The CAC handles all aspects of child sexual abuse, child sexual assaults, sex offender registry violations, child pornography, child neglect, sexual solicitation, and serious physical abuse cases within Harford County, Maryland. This jurisdiction includes the incorporated municipalities of Bel Air, Havre de Grace, and Aberdeen.
While an arrest has been made, Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation. No further information is being released at this time. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Detective Scurto, with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-836-5472.