Honesdale Man Charged In Pike County For Alleged Attempted Trafficking Of Minor, Other Felonies

Honesdale resident Paul Christopher has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies including alleged attempted trafficking and unlawful contact with a minor. 

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin. 

Christopher, 60, was arrested at a hotel in Westfall Township on Wednesday by detectives from the District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. He was arraigned the same day before Magisterial District Judge Randy Schmalzle, who set bail at $ $250,000. Christopher was taken to Pike County Correctional Facility in lieu of posting bail and is expected back in Pike County Central Court for a hearing on April 14. 

In a news release, Tonkin said that Christopher faces charges of criminal attempt trafficking in individuals, criminal attempt patronizing a victim of sexual servitude, unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of communication facility, criminal attempt of corruption of minors, all felonies and restrictions on alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, a summary offense.  

The charges of attempted trafficking in individuals and attempted patronizing a victim of sexual servitude are human trafficking offenses under Pennsylvania Law.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the detectives obtained information that Christopher was willing to travel to Pike County to engage in sexual contact with a 16-year-old for payment of $150. 

When Christopher arrived at the location, he paid an undercover detective $150 and was arrested. 

“With our partners at the Pike County Sheriff’s Department we will continue to pursue those that would harm a child,” Tonkin said. “It is quite alarming that an individual would be willing to pay to engage in sexual contact with a minor.” 

Christopher previously worked for many years at Rusty Palmer Motorsports as a sales manager.