Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON— A Hutchinson man was found guilty Wednesday for electronic solicitation and failing to register as a sex offender.

It took the jury less than 90 minutes to reach a verdict in the case.

Steven Peterman was arrested in February of 2014 when he was allegedly waiting to pick up an underage girl in the parking lot of the Hutchinson Mall.

Authorities say he allegedly went to the mall to pick up the girl with the intention of assisting her in running away from home, but also to teach her sex.

He was accused of texting via cell phone with a Sheriff Detective who posed as the 15-year-old.

Sentencing in the case is set for March 20.