Sevier County, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man is arrested for child sex crimes following a sting operation in Sevier County.

Officials with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office say an internet crimes against children investigator with the office, posing as a 13-year-old, chatted online with the man. During the investigation, investigators reportedly identified the man as 34-year-old Howard Rupprecht.

SCSO says Rupprecht went to Seymour to meet with the “teen” for a “sexual encounter.” Instead, deputies took him into custody.

Rupprecht was booked into the Sevier County jail on a $2,500 bond and has been charged with solicitation of a minor.