Two East Texas men arrested in online child solicitation stings

Two men in East Texas were arrested following online sting operations conducted by a group known as Predator Poachers. The group members pose as minors to identify and communicate with suspected predators.

Michael Mathews of Mineola was arrested in Wood County on charges including online solicitation of a minor and possession or promotion of child pornography. Authorities reported that Mathews engaged in sexual conversations with an individual posing as a 13-year-old and expressed intent to meet. Mathews was booked into the Wood County Jail with bonds totaling $300,000.

Jason Lanier of Rusk was arrested in Cherokee County on charges of online solicitation of a minor. Lanier is accused of engaging in sexual conversations and making plans to meet with someone he believed was 13 years old. He was booked into the Cherokee County Jail with bonds totaling $100,000.