Man arrested in predator sting

A Vermilion man was arrested Saturday. At about 8:02 a.m., Tristan R. Westover, 29, of Vermilion was arrested at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, 77 Jefferson St. Westover was arrested as the result of a weeklong internet crime investigation by Tiffin Police Department detectives. According to the department, he was communicating with law enforcement on social media with who he believed was with a 13-year-old girl. Arrangements were then made for Westover to travel to Tiffin meet to the girl for sex. Upon his arrival he was met by officers from Tiffin and Fostoria police departments and the Seneca County Sheriff's Office who took him into custody. He was charged with three counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, a fifth-degree felony due to the nature of the crime, importuning, a fifth-degree felony based on the age of the girl Westover thought he was speaking to, and attempted unlawful sex with a minor. The current investigation began due to a report filed by the mother of a 13-year-old girl who had been contacted by the same account linked to Tristan Westover. According to Det. Lt. Mark Marquis of Tiffin Police Department, the mother and daughter were instrumental in helping to get another child predator off the streets. Without their help, Westover would likely still be on the streets looking for other potential victims, police said. "This is a good time to remind all parents of the importance of talking with your children about staying safe on the internet, and if something similar to this occurs that it's ok to report what is happening," said Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly. "Thanks to all the law enforcement that assisted in this morning's operation. It is of the highest priority for law enforcement to protect those most vulnerable …our children. Great work all!" Westover is currently being held at Seneca County jail and will have a bond hearing in the near future. The department said the case is being forwarded to the Seneca County Prosecutor's Office for review of possible additional charges and presentation to the grand jury.