Convicted Drug Trafficker Accused of Pimping Teen Runaway

Whittel & Melton, LLC 866-608-5529 – Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys

A 38-year-old man, who served about 17 years in federal prison on drug trafficking charges, was arrested in Brevard County Friday and charged with procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution and unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.

He is accused of pimping, beating and having sex with an Orlando teen runaway.

The teen was allegedly found with bite wounds on her back, and scratches and bruising on her neck.

According to Brevard County deputies, the man was found during an online investigation targeting prostitution through social media websites.

Deputies speculate the man met the runaway shortly after his July 2009 release, when she was 14.

Police claim the man was driving the teen to engage in prostitution.

He was jailed in Brevard County.

The teen was released to a youth services program, and will be reunited with family.

Pimping charges, sometimes labeled pandering, arise when someone is suspected of selling out, delivering or forcing another person to engage in sexual activity for money. Vice squads throughout the state of Florida pour numerous resources into catching people to charge with pimping or pandering. Some law enforcement agents may use informants or even undercover police stings to gain information on people allegedly committing these crimes. The facts specific to your case will influence the best possible defense to combat allegations of pimping or pandering, but there are several potential defenses that may be applied.

In certain cases, the State and law enforcement agents may lack crucial evidence needed to convict someone of pimping. This crime can be difficult to prove, and police often jump to hasty conclusions to arrest someone for pimping or pandering when no crime actually occurred. In other cases, it may be discovered that there are issues with mistaken identity or police misconduct. Of course, in many pimping cases, the allegations turn out to be completely false. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a pimping or pandering charge, the first step towards securing the best possible defense is to contact the Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton.

The consequences for pimping and pandering in Florida can result in third-degree felony charges. If convicted, this could mean up to five years in prison, $5,000 in fines and possible registration as a sex offender. In addition to the legal penalties that this sexual offense carries, a conviction can also place constraints on your personal life, forcing you to be terminated from your place of work and being asked to relocate from your current residence.

The Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will work tirelessly to make sure your name is not wrongly associated with pimping or pandering allegations. We can thoroughly investigate the events leading up to your arrest, question arresting officers and determine if your rights were violated in any way. We can explore every defense strategy and locate any possible errors related to the case that may result in all charges being dropped.

If you or someone close to you has been wrongfully accused of pimping or pandering in Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or reach us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.