A former Wilkes-University psychology professor was arraigned earlier this month on multiple felony charges, including criminal attempt — unlawful contact with minor, according to arrest papers.

Edward John Schicatano, 59, of Plains Township, was involved in a sex sting on Aug. 7, by Musa Harris. Harris calls himself the Luzerne County Predator Catcher. Harris posted video to social media of his alleged confrontation with Schicatano.

According to the criminal complaint: Harris posed online as a 15-year-old girl and received a message from “Lora Smith.” Smith was ultimately identified as Schicatano. Schicatano asked for the girl’s age and was told “almost 16 years old.” He then replied, “I’m sorry. Too young.”

The online conversation continued, and police say that Schicatano sent the girl a photo of two men engaged in a sexual act. He also repeatedly expressed concern over the girl’s age and whether the FBI was involved. He eventually wanted to meet the girl.

Police said Harris provided them with video of his alleged confrontation, and they were able to identify the man in the video as Schicatano.

Wilkes University President Greg Cant issued an email on Aug. 21 about “very serious accusations … against a longtime member” of the university’s faculty. Cant did not specifically name Schicatano.

According to the email, the university was made aware of the allegations on Aug. 19, and initiated its review process. As of Aug. 21, “the faculty member in question (was) no longer employed by the university, an outcome achieved in accordance with the steps outlined in the Faculty Handbook.”

Contacted this week, Cant’s office would not discuss the matter further, stating it does not comment on personnel decisions. A representative from Cant’s office did confirm that Schicatano is not currently employed by the university.

Dr. Paul Riggs, dean of arts and sciences, also declined to comment.

“He was the best professor I ever had…,” said a student who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It feels like something was taken away from me.”

According to Beacon files, Schicatano received his Bachelor’s Degree from Bloomsburg University, his PhD from Wake Forest University, and did post-doctoral research at SUNY Stony Brook in the field of neurobiology.

In a 2015 profile, Schicatano told The Beacon that he decided to pursue a teaching career at Wilkes because of the benefits of teaching in a small, personable community. Schicatano said that if he were to teach on a large and more populated campus, he would not have the same rapport with students.

Schicatano is charged with criminal attempt – unlawful contact with minor – obscene and other sexual materials and performances; criminal attempt – dissemination of explicit sexual material to a minor; and criminal use of a communication facility, according to arrest papers.

He was arraigned by District Justice James Haggerty and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 with Luzerne County Central Court.