Abington Township police have arrested a Tennessee man accused of sending sexually explicit messages and images to a minor in the township.
According to the Abington Township Police Department, the investigation began on Sept. 24, 2025, after the parents of a minor resident reported discovering inappropriate text messages and images sent by an adult male.
Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Shane Nicholson of Shelbyville, Tenn.
With authorization from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, an Abington Special Victims Unit detective took control of the child’s online account and continued communicating with Nicholson while posing as the minor. Authorities said Nicholson initiated sexually explicit conversations, described sexual acts, requested photographs and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting.
Investigators allege Nicholson indicated he planned to travel to the Philadelphia area to pick up the child and transport him back to Tennessee.
An arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 30, 2025. The warrant was forwarded to the Shelbyville Police Department, which took Nicholson into custody. He was later extradited to Montgomery County.
Nicholson was arraigned by Thomas Murt, who set bail at $150,000. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.
Police are reminding parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activity and report suspicious or inappropriate communications to law enforcement immediately.
For additional internet safety resources, visit the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program website at icactaskforce.org/internetsafety.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
