Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Soliciting Minor

An adult who solicits a minor for sexual activity can face serious consequences.

Of all people, you would think a police officer would know this best. Unfortunately, a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy didn’t use his better judgment and was recently arrested for soliciting a teenage girl.

The 35-year-old man was arrested by his fellow deputies and charged with multiple crimes, including using a computer to seduce or solicit a child, traveling to meet a child, transmitting harmful information to minors, and attempted lewd or lascivious solicitation of a minor who is 16 or 17 years old. The deputy is on administrative leave without pay. He has worked for the sheriff’s office for about six years.

The deputy met the 17-year-old girl while responding to a domestic violence call at her home. The deputy and the girl exchanged phone numbers and their conversations became sexual. At one time, the deputy sent the girl a naked photo of himself while on duty.

The deputy gave the girl his personal cell phone number and began communicating with her. He even told her he could be her “personal sheriff that handcuffs you from time to time.” The girl’s father found out that the two were communicating and contacted the sheriff’s office.

The Public Corruption Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched an investigation after receiving the complaint. The investigation involved the deputy’s communications with the teen girl and undercover detectives. An undercover detective posed as the girl and texted with the deputy for nine days.

The deputy discussed meeting the teen at a hotel. He went to the hotel and told her he was waiting for her, but the detective canceled the meeting. That was when the man was arrested.

The deputy was booked into Broward Main Jail, pending bond. There does not appear to be any other victims.

What is Solicitation of a Minor?

When an adult over the age of 18 lures or entices a minor to engage in a sexual act via a computer networking system, face to face interaction, or any other form of communication, this is considered solicitation of a child. A person can be charged and convicted of this crime when the enticement is completed. No actual meeting between the parties has to occur.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

We expect police officers to obey the law at all times, but sometimes they fall prey to certain urges and end up committing crimes involving minors.

Accused of such a crime? Your next step should be to contact a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We are ready to provide you with valuable advice and a strong defense. Schedule a consultation today by calling (352) 505-1799 or filling out the online form.

Source:

sun-sentinel.com/2023/10/24/broward-sheriffs-office-deputy-charged-with-soliciting-a-minor/