Hollowell, 46, is scheduled to appear at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Butler County Area II Court for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, he faces up to 24 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
The investigation began after an undercover officer in Virginia with the Crimes Against Children Task Force chatted online with Hollowell, according to police.
Police said Hollowell discussed sexual activities with the officer who posed as a 13-year-old. Hollowell said he wanted to meet her in person, according to police.
“There was some discussion about traveling … had she lived closer,” said Sgt. Doug Lanier. “He did believe the entire time he was talking to a 13-year-old girl.”
Hollowell sent nude images of himself to the girl and tried to get her to send photographs in return, according to police.
Fairfield Twp. Police began investigating Hollowell in June. When he was arrested last Thursday, Lanier said Hollowell told officers that he had never done anything like this before.
“He stated he was curious, and according to detectives that interviewed him, he did admit to everything and gave a written statement as to what he had done,” Lanier said.
The best way to protect children from sexual predators is to monitor what they do online, Lanier said, including their use of cell phones and other mobile devices.
“I know a lot of us want to believe our kids aren’t doing anything wrong,” he said.
A resident interviewed by the Hamilton JournalNews said it is good police are monitoring and investigating these types of crimes.
“I think there are too many people out there taking advantage of young people today,” said Joyce Valerius of Fairfield Twp.
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