James Ray Smith
Published : Monday, 23 Feb 2009, 4:35 PM CST
A North Texas man randomly dialed cell phone numbers in search of young girls to whom he could send obscene messages, authorities said.
James Ray Smith 41, used a pre-paid cell phone to locate victims in multiple counties in and around North Texas, Parker County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mark Arnett said.
Arnett said the investigation began last October when parents of young girls began filing complaints about a man leaving explicit text messages, voicemail and photos on their children's phones.
However, Arnett said authorities had a difficult time tracking down Smith because he was using a pre-paid cell phone that was difficult to trace.
Smith is charged with online solicitation of a minor and was being held on a $50,000 bond.