By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Ronnie Lee Hicks

SYRACUSE — A Shipshewana man was recently arrested after an online group working to expose child predators caught him trying to meet with who he believed was a 13-year-old girl in Syracuse.

Ronnie Lee Hicks, 57, who is listed with addresses in Shipshewana and Syracuse, is charged with child solicitation, a level 4 felony; and possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine, both level 6 felonies.

On April 29, a Syracuse Police officer responded to a report of child solicitation. The officer spoke with representatives from Bikers Against Predators.

According to court documents, the BAP representatives said Hicks drove to a business in Syracuse with intentions to meet and pick up a 13-year-old girl.

In text messages with Hicks, the decoy indicated their age and said they were in middle school. Hicks allegedly asked the decoy for nude photographs and spoke about sexual acts. He also told her where he lived in case she wanted to come over to visit.

Upon searching Hicks’ person, the officer found plastic bags containing meth. The officer also found plastic bags containing cocaine on Hicks’ moped. Hicks admitted to using meth the night prior.

During an interview with the officer, Hicks admitted to asking the decoy for nude pictures and talking about sexual acts after being told their age.

Hicks was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on April 29, with a $15,250 surety and cash bond.