Police: Convicted sex offender arrested after trying to lure 16-year-old West Fargo girl

FARGO - A 49-year-old convicted sex offender here has been arrested on felonies after police began investigating a possible attempt to lure a girl using the Internet.

Police arrested Eugene Winford Hinson Jr., a Level II sex offender in Fargo, on suspicion of luring a minor by computer and promoting obscenity to a minor.

According to a news release, West Fargo police were notified by a 16-year-old girl that she was receiving inappropriate text messages and photos from a man she met through an acquaintance.

Police alleged Hinson exchanged text messages with the girl and sent inappropriate photos to her. Fargo officers arranged to meet Hinson on Thursday afternoon at a south Fargo location, where police arrested him and booked him into the Cass County Jail.

If convicted, both charges are felonies punishable by up to five years in prison.

Hinson listed his address was a camping location near Fargo's Lindenwood Park.

According to state definitions, Level II sex offenders are considered a moderate risk to reoffend.