Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison Following Undercover Child Cyber Sex Crime Investigation

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

A 55-year-old Jacksonville man was sentenced to 45 months in state prison and eight years of sex offender probation Wednesday following an ongoing investigation by multiple Northeast Florida agencies into online criminals targeting children

The man was arrested April 29, 2011 during an undercover child cyber-sex crime investigation dubbed Operation Sheepdog. The man was accused of trading e-mails with an undercover St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office detective who he apparently thought was the parent of an 11-year-old girl.

He allegedly sent detectives an explicit photo of himself, chatted with undercover officials about sexual topics and arranged a meeting with what he thought was the parent and child.

Last month, the man pleaded no contest to charges of using a computer to lure a parent, traveling to meet a minor and unlawful use of a communication device.

Internet sex crimes accusations can leave those accused in a grave situation. Internet sex crimes convictions not only carry consequences of prison time and hefty fines, but could leave the accused facing mandatory sex offender registration, possibly for life. These penalties combined can have a substantial impact on a defendant’s life, reputation and future.

Internet sex crimes entail criminal sexual offenses that use or take place over the Internet. Investigations into these crimes generally target adults interested in connecting with minors and charges may include:

• Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
• Solicitation of a Minor
• Traveling to Meet a Minor
• Child Molestation
• Sexual Assault

If you suspect that you are under investigation for any type of computer-related sex crime, or if you have already been arrested in conjunction with an Internet sex offense, it is important to consult with a Florida Sex Crime Lawyer immediately. Law enforcement could be in the initial stages of an investigation or they may have already collected evidence against you. Regardless of what stage the investigation is in, by consulting with a sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible, you are giving yourself the best chance at a positive ending.

The Florida Cyber-Sting Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can provide you with the aggressive defense you need when facing the dire consequences associated with an Internet-related sex offense. A conviction can negatively impact your life in more ways than one. Future employers, neighbors, friends and relatives may need to be informed of your status as a sexual offender, which could make it difficult to find employment and suitable housing. At Whittel & Melton, we can provide you with the comprehensive legal assistance and representation you need to combat these charges.

If you or a loved one is facing charges related to an Internet sex crime in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or reach us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.