Cannon was a 32-year-old working as a media director at a church, a volunteer position working with young teens. He began conversing with a decoy named "Natalie," whom he assumed to be fifteen-years-old. He claimed to be 27 years old, which was a lie. After talking to the girl for a few days, Cannon inquired about her dating history and whether she was a virgin. He advised the decoy to keep her virginity and wait to have sex once she gets married.  The following day, he requested a meeting with her and referred to her as his "lil boo."