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MOUNT VERNON — A Mansfield man was arrested in Mount Vernon on Wednesday morning in a sting operation after authorities said he was attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity.

According to the Knox County Sheriff’s office, Randy Sowash, 55, of Mansfield, faces charges of felony importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Randy Sowash

Authorities said Sowash had been communicating online and via email messages with what he thought was an underage female, allegedly asking her to engage in sexual activity with him. The female was actually a detective from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Sowash was arrested by detectives on Feb. 5 at approximately 8:35 a.m. when he arrived in Mount Vernon for the pre-arranged meeting.

The case remains under investigation.

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