A Natchitoches man was arrested following a lengthy investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office into alleged online communications involving a person he believed to be a child.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators determined that 41-year-old Mark Damien Cedars of Natchitoches had exchanged explicit messages with what he believed was a young girl in Grant Parish. Authorities said Cedars allegedly made plans to travel to Grant Parish to meet the child for sexual purposes.

The investigation revealed that the individual Cedars was communicating with was actually a detective with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office operating in an undercover capacity.

Cedars was arrested and charged with computer-aided solicitation for sexual purposes and indecent behavior with juveniles.

No additional information regarding the investigation or Cedars’ bond status was immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing.