A Richmond man who used Craigslist to solicit sex from a minor was convicted in Louisa County Circuit Court yesterday.

Shakir Aundre Moore, 24, pleaded guilty to using a communication system to solicit a child under 15 for sex.

A monthlong investigation by Louisa detective Patrick Siewert, a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, led to the arrest of Moore and several other men accused of using Craigslist to prey on minors.

According to Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Garrett, Moore contacted Siewert, who was posing as a 13-year-old girl, by email. The two chatted online and Moore suggested a meeting location where they could have sex, stating that he wanted to "be her first."

Garrett said Moore arrived at the meeting location on March 9 with condoms and candy, but was met by officers from across the region.

"This predator is going to prison because of the collaborative work of the Albemarle Police Department, Bedford Sheriff's Office, Charlottesville Police Department and the Louisa County Sheriff's Office," Garrett said. "It is great to see these jurisdictions come together in the collective effort of protecting our children. Their initiative in securing the Internet to make sure there are no safe havens for predators is exactly what all law enforcement should be doing."

Moore faces up to 30 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29.

Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
Email: psmith@fredericksburg.com