Florida Man Arrested for Traveling to Meet a Minor

Sexual activity is an act reserved for adults. Meeting up with a minor for sex is a serious crime that can lead to many years in prison.

A man from Boca Raton knows this first hand. He was arrested on July 12 for planning to have sex with a minor. He faces charges of traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act.

According to the Delray Beach Police Department, the man admitted to police that he arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex on June 29. He was expecting to meet the teen at a Walmart located at 16205 South Military Trail.

The 14-year-old boy was instead acting as a decoy pretending to be an underage teen. The man did not know he was talking to a decoy with the social media group 561 Predator Catcher.

The group works to catch adults trying to have sexual intercourse with minors.

The arresting documents include communications that the man had with the decoy. 561 Predator Catcher provided authorities with the communications, including photos that the man had sent of himself.

The communications began on Grindr, which is a popular social network platform for the homosexual community. The communication then switched to text messages.

The man was arrested on July 12 and held in Palm Beach County Jail on a $25,000 bond. He was released the following day. He was ordered not to have any contact with children. His next court date is in September.

Traveling to Meet a Minor in Florida

Traveling to meet a minor is a serious offense in Florida. Traveling to meet a minor with the intent to engage in illegal sexual conduct is typically charged as a second-degree felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Fines can be as high as $10,000.

Conviction requires mandatory registration as a sex offender, which can affect a person in multiple ways. It has long-term consequences for housing, employment, and social relationships. Offenders may also face probation, which includes strict conditions and monitoring. IIf other offenses were committed in the process, such as using a computer or online service to solicit a minor, additional charges and penalties may apply.

There are some possible defenses you can use. They include lack of intent, entrapment, and mistaken identity. However, these defenses can be complex and require strong legal representation. Given the severity of the charges and penalties, it is crucial for anyone accused of traveling to meet a minor to seek an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today

Traveling to meet a minor is a state and federal offense that can result in serious penalties. You will need a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom.

Seek legal help from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Schedule a confidential consultation today to see how we can assist you. Fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799.

Source:

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