Cape man charged with soliciting sex from a minor pleads innocent

A Cape Girardeau man accused of soliciting sex from a 15-year-old girl online, who was actually a police officer in an undercover operation, pleaded innocent Monday to attempted statutory rape.

Robert C. Wells, 45, of 2515 Horseshoe Ridge, entered his plea before Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Lewis. The judge also granted a motion by the defense for a change of venue, and the case was moved to New Madrid County.

On Feb. 26, Wells began an Internet conversation with a Cape Girardeau police detective, who was posing online as a 15-year-old girl.

The conversation between the two became sexual, and the pair decided to meet in the parking lot of the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 3254 William St., on March 6, police detective Brad Smith said during a preliminary hearing.

On that day, Wells arrived at the parking lot but later drove off without getting out of his vehicle, Smith said. Police then curbed his vehicle and arrested him.