A Hambleton man accused of initiating illicit contact with a 13-year-old Buckhannon girl over Myspace and through text messages was arrested in Tucker County Friday — and more charges involving incidents in other states may be forthcoming.

Corporal C.J. Day and Chief Deputy Michael Kelley with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department confiscated two computers and a cell phone from Eric M. Mason, 37, with the assistance of Tucker County Sheriff Tom Felton, according to a press release issued by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department.

Mason was arrested for soliciting a minor via computer after Day, a cyber crime investigator, conducted an extensive investigation of cell phone and Internet records over a time period beginning May 29 and ending June 23.

According to the file in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s office, Mason allegedly contacted the minor over the social networking website Myspace.com and tried to persuade her to meet him and leave her Buckhannon home with him on June 4.

On the same day, the victim was reported missing, but returned to her home later that evening.

Mason’s vehicle was allegedly observed near the minor’s residence on the morning of June 4.

Felton, Day and Kelley arrested Mason after Tucker County Magistrate Carol Irons issued a warrant for his arrest. Mason was arraigned by Irons, who set a cash-only bail at $50,000. Mason posted bail and was released Friday on the condition that he have no contact whatsoever with the victim.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled to take place before Upshur County Magistrate Mike Coffman on July 1.

According to the press release, more charges may be entered as the department continues its investigation into the case, which could involve criminal allegations in other states.

The penalty for soliciting a minor via computer is a fine of up to $5,000 or two to 10 years in a state correctional facility or both.

In a separate incident also occurring Friday, Robert H. Sprouse Jr., 56, of Selbyville was arrested for driving while license suspended for DUI, third offense, a felony.

Corporal Troy A. Brady III with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department observed a 1991 Ford Ranger being driven by Sprouse at approximately 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, according to the file in the magistrate clerk’s office.

Brady stopped Sprouse and cited him for driving suspended. After Brady discovered that Sprouse had been convicted for driving suspended twice before — on May 23, 2006 and August 26, 2008 — he was arrested Friday and arraigned before Coffman.

Coffman set bond at $15,000, and Sprouse was released after posting it on the condition that he not drive or operate a motor vehicle until he obtains a valid license.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 9. The penalty for driving revoked for driving under the influence third offense is one to three years in prison plus a fine of $3,000 to $5,000.