Florida Man Met Teen For Sex, Faces Charges
Many people will go to great lengths for sex. Some will even travel to meet a minor for sex, which is a second-degree felony in Florida, resulting in harsh prison sentences.
On August 16, a man from Hialeah flew to Orlando International Airport in hopes of meeting a teen girl for sex. That was when he was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He now faces multiple charges, including traveling to meet a minor and lewd battery.
The 27-year-old man had met the 15-year-old on Snapchat in May 2020. In July 2021, he rented a motel room, where the two met up. He ended up sexually assaulting the victim.
The man later texted the girl. He admitted to sexually assaulting her, claiming that she was “just another person for me to (expletive).” The man later told the girl’s mother that the two had been “dating” for 15 months and that he got her pregnant.
The mother contacted the police. A detective texted the man and posed as the victim, enticing him to meet up for sex. They planned to meet in Polk County on August 16. After he got to the airport, he drove to Polk County and that was when he was arrested. He later admitted to sexually assaulting the 15-year-old girl.
The detectives on this case worked quickly to arrest the man. The Polk County Sheriff claimed that the man was so “messed up” that there was a tattoo on his forearm showing the victim’s name and the date they “met” online.
What is Traveling to Meet a Minor?
Traveling to meet a minor refers to traveling any distance in an attempt to have sex with a minor. It involves the use of technology such as the internet or other computer service. It is also illegal to entice a minor to travel for the purpose of sex.
Traveling to meet a minor is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in Florida state prison. However, the punishment can increase to up to 30 years in federal prison if it becomes a federal offense. A federal offense occurs when a person:
- Tries to arrange a meeting in another state with a minor.
- Crosses state lines to have sex with a minor.
- Transports a child between states to have sex with them.
- Entices a minor to travel across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Florida, and traveling to meet a minor is no exception. In some cases, it can even be a federal offense if the crime crosses state lines. This increases the penalties further.
If you have been convicted of any type of sex crime, seek legal help right away. Count on Florida minor sex offense lawyer Gilbert A. Schaffnit to get a solid defense so you get the best outcome possible. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799.
Resource:
wfla.com/news/polk-county/deputies-florida-man-flew-to-polk-county-in-attempt-to-meet-15-year-old-girl-for-sex/