LOGAN — A 26-year-old Hyde Park man was arrested Wednesday morning on multiple felony charges after allegedly soliciting an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old online.
Jonathan Scott Erickson was booked into the Cache County Jail on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony; enticing a minor, a third-degree felony; and dealing in material harmful to a minor, a third-degree felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began in March 2025 when a deputy with the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office engaged in an undercover chat on the social media app “Sessions”. The deputy communicated with a user, later identified as Erickson, who used the screen name “Vapegod 253”.
The affidavit states that Erickson was informed the deputy was 13 years old but indicated he was comfortable communicating with someone that age. Investigators allege Erickson initiated sexual conversations and requested the deputy join a three-way chat with another individual identified as “Ashley”.
During the exchange, Erickson allegedly sent a naked photograph of himself. The user “Ashley” subsequently sent a video depicting a young female, estimated to be 14 or 15 years old, performing sexual acts. Police say Erickson continued the conversation after “Ashley” left the chat and requested to meet the undercover agent for sex. A meeting was scheduled for April 12, 2025, but Erickson did not appear.
Authorities identified Erickson through a facial photograph he sent during the online correspondence. On Feb. 11, 2026, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) served a search warrant at Erickson’s residence in Hyde Park and took him into custody without incident.
In the request to hold Erickson without bail, authorities noted he faces similar felony charges pending in the 4th District Court. The affidavit also indicated Erickson was on suicide watch at the time of his arrest and allegedly poses a risk to his 5-year-old daughter.
According to court records, Erickson was arraigned Friday in Logan’s 1st District Court. He was ordered to be held and appear again in court Feb. 23.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.