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First Posted: 4/3/2007
By EDWARD LEWIS elewis@www.timesleader.com
A man identified in arrest papers as the Grump mascot for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees was arrested over the weekend on charges he used the Internet to solicit sex with a boy who actually was a police decoy.
Jay S. Hastings, 42, of South 9th Avenue, was arrested when he showed up to meet the fictitious 14-year old boy at the Wyoming Valley Mall on Saturday night.
After his arrest, Hastings told police that he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year old boy from Scranton who he also met on the Internet. He further admitted to having child pornography on his computer and many gay pornographic movies at his home.
According to the criminal complaint:
Hastings told police he had access to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees van because he is the Grump and attends special appearances mainly at functions involving kids.
Hastings was charged with criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault, criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, criminal attempt to commit indecent assault, criminal attempt of corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of communication facility. He remains jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $10,000 bail.
Calls to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees were not immediately returned Tuesday morning.
For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Times Leader.