Police: School piano tuner sought girl online, girl was actually officer

EXPORT, Pa. — A man who was trusted to fix instruments at a local school is accused of using the technology at his workplace to communicate with young women.

Theodore Mamel, 64, of Export, posted an ad on Craigslist seeking younger women last month, police said.

According to police, the ad said in part, "Someone who wants to try new things with an older man.  Age no barrier."

"He sent pornographic images of minors," Chief John Hartman of Southwest Regional Police said.

Police said Mamel sent photos and extremely graphic messages to an undercover detective.

Mamel drove to Belle Vernon, where he thought a 14-year-old girl lived, and planned to meet her at a nearby Walmart.  The girl was actually a police officer.

Police said they became alarmed when they connected Mamel to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.  They said he worked as a piano tuner.

WPXI