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ST. GEORGE — Police say they have arrested a man reported to have offered young girls suspicious candy and to have invited them to a party in St. George.
According to a news release from the St. George Police Department, Jeffrey D. Lambert, 41, was arrested Friday for investigation of disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.
A social media post began circulating earlier this week cautioning people to be on the lookout for a man who had allegedly offered candy laced with drugs to young girls walking home from school.
The post, which included a photo of the man, was shared hundreds of times on Facebook. According to the post, a mother who intervened when she saw the man talking to the girls was able to snap a photo of him.
Police in St. George found Lambert after an "extensive effort" that included help from the public, the release stated.
Police, however, said that the candy Lambert allegedly offered to the girls was not laced with drugs, "and there has never been a case of this ever confirmed in St. George."
"Please remember, if you hear or see something, contact police immediately. This will ensure a rapid response to a possible crime. It will also help to dispel any rumors or hoax," the department urged.
