JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- A registered sex offender has been arrested after Sheriff’s deputies say he tried to lure a 16-year old girl.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office says Paul Avallone, 55, contacted who he thought was a 16-year old girl through Facebook and texting around Christmas time. Deputies say he sent inappropriate text messages and arranged to meet the girl to engage in sexual conduct.

Thursday, deputies were waiting for Avallone as he showed up for their meeting at the Salmon Run Mall. He has been charged with attempted rape, attempted criminal sex act and endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held on $5,000 bail.