Florida Man Arrested for Traveling to Meet a Minor
Traveling to meet a minor is a serious offense that comes with state and federal charges. A Florida man is facing multiple felony counts for meeting a minor for sex.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested a 31-year-old man from Land O’ Lakes. He faces three felony counts: traveling to meet a minor for sex, lewd or lascivious battery, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The investigation began in February 2023. That was when the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to assist in a runaway child investigation. It was discovered that the child had been contacted by the man through social media. The man arranged for the minor to be transported to his home in Land O’ Lakes. The man had sex with her on multiple occasions.
Agents used investigative, forensic, and analytical operations to identify the man as the suspect. Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office worked together to arrest the man on March 19. He was booked into Pasco County Jail, where he remains on a $65,000 bond.
The arrest is a result of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s initiative to arrest those engaging in child porn and sex crimes with children. This case is being investigated by the Brooksville Field Office.
Traveling to Meet a Minor
Florida has taken a firm stance against the exploitation of children, and one of the more serious crimes of this type is traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
This law is outlined in Florida Statutes § 847.0135. Under this statute, it is illegal for an adult to travel to a location within Florida for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The law applies regardless of whether the person has communicated with the minor directly or through a third party.
The prosecution must prove the following elements:
- Intent. The defendant must have intended to engage in sexual activity with a minor. This can be established through communication, such as text messages, phone calls, or social media posts.
- Traveling to meet. The defendant must travel, or attempt to travel, to a specific location with the goal of meeting the minor.
- Minor’s involvement. There must be involvement from an actual minor or an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a minor.
- Sexual purpose. The defendant must have the specific purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the minor, although it is not necessary for any sexual act to occur.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Florida law aims to protect children from exploitation. Because of this, criminal charges and penalties can be extreme.
If you are in this situation, get the legal help you need from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. A charge of traveling to meet a minor should be taken very seriously, but you may have defenses available to you. Count on us to help defend your case. To schedule a consultation with our office, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.
Source:
suncoastnews.com/crime_crashes_fires/fdle-arrests-land-o-lakes-man-for-traveling-to-meet-a-minor-for-sex/article_109c86d0-36a9-4ea5-ae70-6e932d67d548.html
