Mark Garris

An undercover operation has led to charges against a Derry man, who allegedly tried to start an inappropriate relationship with a child.

“The actor was informed that the purported child was, in fact, only 15 years old on at least two occasions,” said the investigating agent in charging documents.

Special agents with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office arrested Mark A. Garris, 45, Thursday and filed charges against him Friday. Those charges include three felonies, unlawful contact with a minor; attempted involuntary deviant sexual intercourse; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Following his arraignment Friday, he was placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond.

According to charging documents, the task force began investigating Garris after he had contact with a “purported female minor” in Butler County. That girl was an undercover agent.

Agents said around 1:42 p.m. Oct. 22, the undercover agent received a message on an undercover profile, which operated under the assumed identity of a 15-year-old girl.

Following the initial contact, agents continued to engage in conversations with Garris over a period of about two weeks.

“(Garris) asked the child if she was into older guys,” agents said. “After the child disclosed her age to (Garris), he asked her if she still lived with her parents and if she would like to hang out sometime.”

According to agents, Garris then asked the girl to dinner and to engage in sexual acts afterward. Agents said Garris set up the meeting and time, telling the girl he would pick her up in his truck.

According to agents, Garris sent a disturbing message the day of the meeting.

“On Nov. 4, (Garris) initiated contact with the child by saying, 'Good morning you sexy thing u' and later asked, 'are we still on for later?'” agents said.

Agents said they monitored the planned meeting place, and Garris arrived in the truck as planned. Agents then conducted a traffic stop, and Garris told officers he was in the area to meet a friend.

“He identified this friend by the name of the undercover persona associated with this investigation,” agents said.

Agents said after his arrest, Garris was read his Miranda Rights, but spoke openly with police, admitting to possessing the social media account used, messaging the girl and requesting the dinner and sexual acts.

During his arrest, agents also found and placed Garris' phone into evidence, which showed the account he used and the full conversation with the undercover agent.

A preliminary hearing for Garris is scheduled for Friday before District Judge David Kovach.