Erie man arrested in Pike County on attempted trafficking charge involving 12-year-old

Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced the July 21, 2026 arrest of 51-year-old Jason Sidener of Erie, charged with criminal attempt in trafficking in individuals, criminal attempt of patronizing a victim of sexual servitude, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and criminal attempt of rape of a child. Detectives say Sidener traveled to Pike County intending to pay $470 for sexual contact with a 12-year-old; officers found $470 in cash and a small amount of a crystalline substance on him. Magisterial District Judge Cristin Cavallaro denied bail and Sidener was held at the Pike County Correctional Facility pending a preliminary hearing set for August 4, 2026; anyone with information about child abuse was urged to call Pennsylvania ChildLine at 800-932-0313.