Maryland Man Accused of Posing as Teen to Meet 15-Year-Old Girl

Authorities say Jason Candelaria used a social media app to connect with the minor in York County.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked smartphone screen, partially obscured by a dark shadow, conceptually representing the digital evidence of a predatory online crime.A cracked smartphone screen hints at the digital trail of evidence in a case of online sexual exploitation.Darlington Today

A 34-year-old Maryland man has been charged after allegedly posing as a 17-year-old boy on a social media app to meet and sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl in York County, Pennsylvania. Police say they found over 100 videos and 50 images of child sexual abuse material on the suspect's phone.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators targeting minors through social media and the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and apprehending these offenders, especially those who are already registered sex offenders.

The details

Investigators say Jason Candelaria, of Darlington, Maryland, used the Wizz app to connect with the 15-year-old girl and arrange to meet her in a Spring Grove, Pennsylvania parking lot in February 2025. Candelaria allegedly pretended to be a 17-year-old boy during their interactions. When police seized Candelaria's phone, they discovered the trove of child sexual abuse material.

  • Candelaria allegedly met the 15-year-old girl in a Spring Grove, PA parking lot in February 2025.

The players

Jason Candelaria

A 34-year-old man from Darlington, Maryland who is accused of posing as a teenager online to sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl.

Wizz app

A social media platform that Candelaria allegedly used to connect with the minor victim.

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What’s next

Candelaria is being held in York County Prison on charges related to the exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for ongoing education and awareness around online safety for minors, as well as the importance of rigorous monitoring and enforcement to prevent registered sex offenders from reoffending through digital means.