5 Men Arrested for Traveling to Meet a Minor
Five men in Florida were recently taken into police custody for various sex crimes following a sting operation.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested the men during a four-day undercover operation called Operation: Nightcrawler, which targeted people looking to meet children online for sexual activity. The five men arrested were:
- A 20-year-old man who traveled from Dundee, Florida
- A 25-year-old man who traveled from Temple Terrace, Florida
- A 25-year-old man who traveled from Groveland, Florida
- A 40-year-old man who traveled from Tavares, Florida
- A 46-year-old man who traveled from Orlando, Florida
The alleged crimes occurred between October 4 and 7. The five men unknowingly chatted online with undercover detectives and then traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to have sex with a child. The men were arrested upon arrival. Multiple agencies assisted with the operation, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Traveling to Meet a Minor
In Florida, traveling to meet a minor involves traveling or attempting to travel to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with a minor after using an electronic device or online service to seduce or solicit the child. A minor is a person under 18 years of age. It’s important to understand that a person can still be charged with this crime even if they did not travel to meet with the child, but requested another person to do so. This is a second-degree felony punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Crimes against children are harshly punished in Florida, so if you have been arrested for traveling to meet a minor, you should not take these accusations lightly. Even being suspected of traveling to meet a minor can result in long-term consequences on your life and future. It is important to understand the charge’s meaning and consequences as well as meet with a knowledgeable lawyer who can assist you with potential defenses against this criminal offense.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Sex is not an activity that should be done between adults and children. Police often have undercover operations to catch those who want to meet up with children for sexual activities.
If you have been arrested for traveling to meet a minor or other sex offense, seek legal help from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We will treat the matter respectfully and confidentially and provide a strong defense. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799.
Source:
fox35orlando.com/news/five-men-arrested-for-traveling-to-meet-children-for-sex-in-florida-deputies-say