Montgomery County

Police: Man Tried to Lure Boys to His Apartment, Exposed Self to Children on Easter

Suspect said he wanted the boys to go to his apartment to play

A man exposed himself to children at a Maryland playground, then tried to lure two boys to his apartment on Easter Sunday, according to Montgomery County Police.

Jemberu Bekele Geda exposed himself to children playing in the 11500 block of Stewart Lane in White Oak, according to court documents.

Not long after that he tried to lure two cousins to his apartment with offers of food and drinks, police said. He grabbed the boys, ages 8 and 9, by their wrists Sunday evening and attempted to take them to his apartment.

The 37-year-old suspect let go of them when they said they didn't want to go with him, and the boys immediately went to a home and told a parent, police said.

A 13-year-old girl among the children Geda allegedly exposed himself to helped identify the suspect for responding officers. He was standing on his balcony watching children play.

After his arrest, Geda told officers he had wanted the boys to come to his apartment to play, police said.

Geda told officers he did not know any of the victims, police said.

He was charged with indecent exposure and two counts of attempted child abduction and ordered held without bond.

Police want parents in the area to talk to their children and contact them if they suspect a possible encounter with Geda.

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