A man from Wilkes-Barre and a man from Allentown traveled to Scranton this week to meet teens for sex, but instead found a special agent from the state attorney general's office.

Thomas Bannon, 45, 215 High St., Apt. 204, Wilkes-Barre, and Willie DeLeon, 29, 1923 E. Congress St., Allentown, were arrested for trying to solicit teens they met online.

Mr. Bannon sent graphic photos of his genitalia to Special Agent Justin Leri and discussed sex acts he wanted to perform. He believed the agent was a 14-year-old boy.

Mr. Bannon drove to Scranton on Wednesday and was taken into custody.

Mr. DeLeon was looking for a friend "with benefits" and thought he had one in a 14-year-old girl he met online. There was no girl, just Special Agent Leri.

He repeatedly asked for naked photos and wanted the girl to wear a thong and short skirt when they met. He was arrested Thursday.

Both are charged with one count of criminal solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, one count of criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, one count of unlawful contact with a minor, one count of criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault with a child, one count of corruption of minors and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

Mr. Bannon was released from Lackawanna County Prison after posting $20,000 bail, but Mr. DeLeon remains there in lieu of $50,000 bail. Both are slated for preliminary hearings on Wednesday.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter