Henry County, Virginia Press Release • November 4, 2024 • Captin S. Hines
(Henry County, VA) – On November 1, 2024, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Patrick County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit minors online. During this operation, an investigator made contact with Mitchell R. Cook through an online forum.
During their communications, Cook sent multiple lewd and sexually explicit messages, believing he was conversing with a 14-year-old child and attempting to arrange a meeting for a sexual encounter. Later that day, Cook traveled from Pulaski, VA, to a location in Henry County, expecting to meet the minor.
Upon his arrival at the designated location, Cook was taken into custody by deputies and investigators from both the Henry County and Patrick County Sheriff’s Offices without incident.
Cook, 29 years of age, of Rural Retreat, VA, has been charged with five counts of Using a Communications System to Solicit a Juvenile.
Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.3: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
Cook is currently held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety of children and will continue to pursue online predators actively. This specialized unit remains dedicated to safeguarding our community and protecting our youth from online exploitation.
• Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.3: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
• Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.3: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
• Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.3: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
• Violation of Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.3: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
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