(WSB Radio)  A manhunt is underway for a 56 year old Cherokee County man who, police say, tried to buy a child online.

Detectives received a tip about Patrick Molesti, obtained a search warrant and went to his home in Woodstock.  Molesti wasn't there, but his laptop computer was.

"The computer was analyzed and it had child pornography on it," says Cherokee County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jay Baker.  "They were able to confirm, in fact, that he was attempting to purchase a child."

Baker tells WSB, it does not appear that Molesti was looking for a specific child, but was, instead, sending out information that he was looking for one.

"We believe that he was looking for a certain type of child, actually a five year old boy is what he was looking for," Baker says.  "And putting out that information for someone who might bite and contact him."

Molesti was not home at the time of the search and has not been seen since.  Baker says he has been in contact with law enforcement, but has been unwilling to turn himself in. 

Molesti, a French National, is 6' 1" and 200 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He is possibly driving a 2002 white Chevrolet van and likely armed with a handgun.

He works in Atlanta and detectives believe he is still in the Metro Atlanta area.

He is wanted on a charge of child exploitation, but additional charges are likely.

As for trying to purchase a child, Baker say that has officers shaking their heads.

"This is not something that we investigate daily," he says.  "Certainly, purchasing a child is something that is new to us."