POP Squad Sting Leads to Arrest in Southington

Southington police have arrested a Massachusetts man who is accused of showing up at a local store to meet a person he thought was a minor, according to police.

Carl Bezo, 50, of Westfield, Massachusetts turned himself in to police in Southington Friday after learning of an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Police said Bezo was communicating with a person he thought was a minor through an online dating site and text messaging, arranged to meet the person who was portrayed as a minor and showed up at the Southington store to meet the person, who was actually by an adult from POP (Prey on Predators) Squad.

The person from POP Squad recorded the interaction and information, including chat logs and video between Bezo and the POP Squad, was turned over to police for the investigation.

A warrant was issued, charging Bezo with criminal attempt to commit risk of injury to a minor.

Bezo was held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bristol Court.

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