ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A Kannapolis business owner is behind bars after investigators said he tried meeting a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat for sex.
Mohamed Al-Hareurey is facing several charges related to the incident. He was arrested by Rowan County deputies and charged with soliciting a child by computer and soliciting child prostitution. He is being held under a $250,000 bond.
Al-Hareurey is the owner of Cannon Tobacco and Vape Shop in Kannapolis.
Investigators allege that Al-Hareurey tried to offer the victim vapes in exchange for sex. The conversation was recorded, and investigators claimed Al-Hareurey's business was seen in the background of photos he sent to the victim.
Capt. Mark McDaniel said he went by the name Moe and it was the child's parent who reported the incident.
“Predators of this type know that children are on these phones and they have them at a very young age and they know this is an easy way, easy access,” McDaniel said.
He added that it's important for parents to be aware of what their kids are doing online and who they're talking to.
"Let them know that if anybody contacts you online and has a conversation of a sexual nature or asking for personal information and you don’t know these people, number one you should report it," McDaniel said.
Pat's Place, a child advocacy center said these arrests are reminders that those who abuse kids have more ways than ever to contact and build relationships with them.
The agency shared these rules for internet safety:
- Never communicate with strangers online.
- Don’t share personal information online, including while gaming.
- Parents should monitor and limit internet usage.
- Make all social media accounts private.
- Children should never meet someone in person they first met online.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect because police are looking for more victims.