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Boone Police Makes Another Online Predator Arrest, This Time a Local Charged

On Dec. 18, 2015, the Boone Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation closed an on-going investigation. This investigation was a proactive attempt by the Boone Police Department to catch the individuals that seek to victimize our children online.

Denny_Dahyabhai_PatelInvestigators responded to an online ad that indicated that a male individual was looking for a “friend with benefits” in Boone. The posted advertised that he had “no age restrictions.” Investigators feared this ad could be a predator looking for children online. A Boone Police Detective posed as a 14-year-old girl in Boone and responded to this ad.

The poster interacted with the undercover investigator and arranged a meeting in Boone for sexual purposes despite being led to believe that he was interacting with a 14-year-old girl. When officers saw the suspect travel to the meeting location on the arranged date and time, they approached him and conducted an interview. This interview led to the suspect’s arrest.

“The Boone Police Department is doing everything we can to keep our children safe. This case identified and put a stop to an online threat to our children,” said Boone Police Chief Dana Crawford

“We would also like to thank the NC State Bureau of Investigation Computer Crimes Unit for their forensic support and assistance in this case. These agents are a great asset and are always willing to help make these cases happen,” said Boone Police Investigations Commander Chris Hatton.

The arrestee in this case is:

Denny Dahyabhai Patel, 34,

1377 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607

The charges filed are:

  • One count of Felony Solicit Child by Computer and Appear
  • One count of Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child
  • One count of Felony Dissemination of Obscenity.

Patel’s court date was set for February 19, 2016, and his conditions of release were set as a $75,000 secured bond. Mr. Patel posted the $75,000 and has been released from custody pending trial.