Online Predators | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 1/31/2013

Internet crime is on the rise in Ward County. Just last night, the Ward County Sheriff`s Department arrested William Michael Hanson, 44, of Williston.

The Sheriff`s Department was conducting an Internet sting operation where a deputy was posing as a minor. Hanson allegedly told the deputy he would drive to Minot to meet the decoy at Roosevelt Park.

Shortly after, Hanson was taken into custody and charged with luring a minor.

The Sheriff’s Department is trying to raise awareness of how parents can protect their children by monitoring their Internet usage. "Parents have to monitor their kids Internet usage. Kids have to use the Internet for everything these days, from their social lives, to homework, everything. And, online predators can work their way into that," said Sgt. Mark Holter.

Hanson is being held in the Ward County jail on a Class B Felony. He could face up to 10 years in jail.

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