FRPD arrests Natural Bridge man for solicitation of minors

Front Royal Police detectives report the conclusion of  an investigation that began March 21st regarding the solicitation of minors in the Front Royal area.

An adult male suspect sent sexually explicit material to a detective who was posing as a female under the age of 15.

The initial conversation was unsolicited and started by the offender.

Through the investigation, detectives identified the man as Douglas Hatcher, 49, of Natural Bridge.

Rockbridge County Sheriff’s assisted in the arrest at Hatcher’s home on April 7th for five charges of using communication systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.

He is being held without bond at Rockbridge Regional Jail.

His court date is April 20,2023 at 9 am in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

This arrest was apart of FRPDs efforts in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force coordinated by the Virginia State Police.

Anyone with further information on this case should contact Detective M.R. Ramey at (540) 636-2208 or by email at mramey@frontroyalva.com.