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Waynesboro man arrested in Ridgeview Park; charged with soliciting minors online

Crystal Graham
Michael Allen Cooper
Michael Allen Cooper

A 62-year-old Waynesboro man was arrested Friday in Ridgeview Park after he allegedly solicited minors online leading to a disturbance at the park.

Michael Allen Cooper is currently being held at Middle River Regional Jail without bond. He is facing five felony charges.

Waynesboro Police officers responded to 700 South Magnolia Avenue for a disturbance, according to a police report. Throughout the preliminary investigation into the disturbance, they located Cooper, who was alleged to have been soliciting minors online, which led to confirming Cooper’s reported purpose for being at the park.

Cooper was subsequently arrested on the following alleged offenses:

  • 18.2-374.3(F)- Use communication system to solicit minor
  • 18.2-374.3(F)- Computer solicit child under 15
  • 18.2-374.3(F)- Computer use to commit certain sex offenses with minor
  • 18.2-374.3(F)- Computer use to commit certain sex offenses with minor
  • 18.2-346.01(F)- Solicitation of prostitution from minor

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.