A Florida man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child pornography. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, the 32-year-old Rockledge man, transported at least 69 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children less than 12 years old to his online storage accounts. State law enforcement officers arrested the man and charged him with possession of child pornography.
While his state case was pending, the man created a profile on a location-based teen social networking site, and pretended to be a 17-year-old high school student. There, the man met a child whom he believed to be 14 years old, and over three days, arranged to meet her for sex. The 14-year-old was a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity.
The man arranged to meet the fictional child at a convenience store, and officers arrested him when he arrived at the location. The man plead guilty on September 25. He was also ordered to forfeit the electronic devices he used to commit the offenses, and to pay a $5,000 special assessment.
Two of the most severe sex crimes out there is Internet solicitation of a minor and travelling to meet a minor. These crimes have the power to ruin your reputation and career. If you are being investigated for either soliciting a minor online, travelling to meet a minor, or both, or if you have already been arrested, the sooner you speak to a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton, the better.
The penalties associated with Internet solicitation of a minor or quite severe. For every solicitation made, you could be looking at five years behind bars. If the solicitation(s) turns into an actual meeting, the charges only increase. Travelling any distance with the intentions of meeting a minor to engage in sexual activities can translate to a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
With decades of sex crimes defense experience, we know what it takes to help protect your freedom and reputation in these cases. We urge you to not delay seeking help. Even if you have yet to be charged with a crime, we can begin working to make sure that your rights are protected. We are available 24/7, so call us today at 866-608-5539 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we may be able to assist with your defense.