Today, we announce the arrest of Laurence B. Purser, a 31-year-old Aberdeen resident. The third in a series of arrests associated with the solicitation of minors for sex. Throughout the course of our investigation, Purser engaged in explicit communication with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old female. Despite being repeatedly informed of the age assumed by the undercover detective, Purser arranged a specific date, time, and location to meet the child.

When Purser arrived at the predetermined location, deputies took him into custody without incident. He is now charged with the solicitation of a minor. Purser remains in custody at the Harford County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond pending further judicial proceedings.

Parents and caregivers, your involvement remains one of the strongest tools we have in preventing these crimes. Please continue to talk with your children about the risks posed by strangers online, stay aware of how they spend their time on digital platforms, and know who they are interacting with. Your vigilance is a critical part of keeping Harford County’s children safe.