UMBC student accused of using Snapchat to sexually solicit minors

FILE — A finger is posed next to the Snapchat app logo on an iPad on Aug. 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)(Getty Images/Carl Court)

WASHINGTON — Charged with soliciting child pornography, a student from the University of Maryland Baltimore County was in court on Monday for a bond hearing after being taken into custody on campus Friday.

Jake Tyler Patterson, 21 of Frederick County, was served with an order of suspension from the University along with charges when he was arrested by a Frederick County Sheriff’s detective, a department spokesperson said.

“Patterson’s bond was revised to $25,000 with special conditions including having no internet or social media access,” said Tim Gilbert, Assistant State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

“He will be released to his parents if/when he posts bond,” Gilbert said.

The FBI, Baltimore County Police and UMBC Police assisted in the arrest.

Patterson confessed during an interview in Baltimore County, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office started investigating Patterson last August after receiving a tip that Patterson was sexually soliciting minors using the mobile app, Snapchat.

Patterson has been charged with two counts of child pornography solicitation and two counts of child pornography permit sex subject.

The investigation continues.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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