obscene communication travel to meet after use com

any notice, statement, or advertisement of any minor’s name, telephone number, place of residence, physical characteristics, or other descriptive or identifying information for purposes of facilitating, encouraging, offering, or soliciting sexual conduct of or with any minor, or the visual depiction of such conduct, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 . The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this section shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this section.

commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 . Any person who, in violating this subsection, misrepresents his or her age, commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 . Each separate use of a computer online service, Internet service, local bulletin board service, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission wherein an offense described in this section is committed may be charged as a separate offense.

commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 , s. 775.083 , or s. 775.084 .

live over a computer online service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service and who knows or should know or has reason to believe that the transmission is viewed on a computer or television monitor by a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition in violation of this subsection. The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this subsection shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this subsection.

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Home » Sexually Motivated Crimes » Traveling to Meet a Minor

Traveling to Meet a Minor

One of the easiest ways for law enforcement officers to make an arrest for a sexually motivated crime is to set up a sting operation. In these sting operations, detectives and law enforcement officers pose as children online to find sexual predators.

Sometimes the detectives are overly aggressive and cast a net so wide that they entrap innocent people who have absolutely no intention of meeting a minor child or doing anything illegal.

Many of these sting operations result in an arrest for “traveling to meet a minor child” under Florida Statute Section 847.0135(4). This serious offense is charged as a second-degree felony punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in Florida State Prison.

After the arrest, the jail inquiry notation on the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office website will list the offense as TRAVELING TO MEET MINOR AFTER USING COMP SERVICES/DEVICES TO SOLICIT CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS (LEWD5073) or

Recent Case Result On December 5, 2018, the jury returned a “ not guilty ” in a case pending before the Honorable Susan L. Barthle in Dade City, FL. The crime of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation is a first degree felony, punishable by life in prison (with a 25 year minimum mandatory prison sentence). Instead of facing those penalties, our client was exonerated of any crime and walked out of the courthouse with us after the jury returned the “not guilty” verdict. Leslie M. Sammis was the lead attorney in the case. Disclaimer: The facts of your case may differ from the facts discussed here. Not all case results are listed here. The case results discussed here are not necessarily representative of the results obtained in all cases. Each case is different and must be evaluated and handled on its own merit.

Attorneys for Traveling to Meet a Minor Crimes in Tampa, FL

If you are charged with Section 847.0135(4), Florida Statutes, contact a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida.

We represent clients charged with serious misdemeanor and felony sexually motivated crimes throughout Florida and the greater Tampa Bay area, including the crime of unlawful travel to meet a minor, a second degree felony, under Section 847.0135(4)(a).

Our attorneys represent clients set up in sting operations for the crime of traveling to meet a minor child in Tampa and Plant City in Hillsborough County, in Bartow or Lakeland in Polk County, in New Port Richey or Dade City in Pasco County, or Brooksville in Hernando County, FL.

During the free consultation, we can talk with you about the pending charges, how these cases are prosecuted, the typical penalties, and important defenses that can be used to fight for an outright dismissal of the charges.

Call (813) 250-0500 to talk about your case.

Florida Statute Section 847.0135(4)

Section 847.0135(4), Florida Statutes, criminalizes traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse after using a computer to solicit the child. The statute defines the term “child” to mean any person, whose identity is known or unknown, less than 18 years of age.

Many law enforcement agencies throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, devote significant resources “To Catch a Predator” type sting operations. Sometimes these sting operations involve over-zealous officers with a lack of proper training and experience. Defenses in these cases often revolve around an “entrapment” defense.

Law enforcement officers use many different forms of online communications for sting operations, including internet chatrooms and social media sites such as Facebook. The officers are known to post ads on Craig’s List or Backpage. Once the initial contact is made with the target, the officers often use text messages, email, or instant messaging.

During the sting operations, officers will engage in online or electronic communications leading up to a purported agreement to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with a minor child.

Florida Statute Section 847.0135(4) provides:

(4) TRAVELING TO MEET A MINOR.—Any person who travels any distance either within this state, to this state, or from this state by any means, who attempts to do so, or who causes another to do so or to attempt to do so for the purpose of engaging in any illegal act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in other unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed by the person to be a child after using a computer online service, Internet service, local bulletin board service, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission to:

(a) Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child or another person believed by the person to be a child, to engage in any illegal act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in other unlawful sexual conduct with a child; or

(b) Solicit, lure, or entice or attempt to solicit, lure, or entice a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child or a person believed to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of such child in any act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in any sexual conduct, commits a felony of the second degree….

§ 847.0135(4), Fla. Stat.

Elements of Traveling to Meet a Minor Child in Florida

The offense of traveling to meet a minor child has four elements:

• knowingly traveling within this state,
• for the purpose of engaging in any illegal act (in violation of chapters 794, 800, or 827, or other unlawful sexual conduct) with the victim after using a computer or other electronic data storage transmission to contact a child,
• the victim was a child or person believed by the defendant to be a child, and
• the defendant seduced, solicited, lured, enticed or attempted to do so to engage in the illegal act or unlawful sexual conduct.

Hartley v. State , 129 So.3d 486, 491 (Fla. 4th DCA 2014).

Florida’s Jury Instructions for Traveling to Meet a Minor Child

Florida’s jury instruction 11.17(d) for traveling to meet a minor facilitated by a parent, legal guardian or custodian was adopted in 2009 [6 So. 3d 574] and amended in 2013. The jury instructions contain the following two elements which must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt:

• (Defendant) used a[n] [computer on-line service] [Internet service] [local bulletin board service] [device capable of electronic data storage or transmission] to [solicit] [lure] [entice] [attempt to [solicit] [lure] [entice]] a [parent] [legal guardian] [custodian] [person believed by the defendant to be a [parent] [legal guardian] [custodian]] of a child to consent for the [child] [person believed by the defendant to be a child] to participate in [(insert violation of chapter 794, 800, or 827 as alleged in the charging instrument)] [sexual conduct].
• (Defendant) then [traveled] [attempted to travel] [caused another to travel] [attempted to cause another to travel] [within this state] [to this state] [from this state] for the purpose of engaging in any illegal act described in [(insert violation of chapter 794, 800, or 827 as alleged in the charging instrument)] [other unlawful sexual conduct] with a child or a person believed by the defendant to be a child.

The jury instruction also provides that the “mere fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of this offense shall not constitute a defense from prosecution.”

Related offenses include:

• TRAVELING TO MEET MINOR AFTER USING COMP SERVICES/DEVICES TO SOLICIT CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS (LEWD5073);
• USE OF COMPUTER SERVICES OR DEVICES TO SOLICIT CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS (LEWD5071);
• TRANSMISSION OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINOR (LEWD5080) under 847.0138, Florida Statutes;
• UNLAWFUL USE OF TWO WAY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE (MISC1354) to facilitate a felony under Section 934.215, Florida Statutes;
• soliciting a child for unlawful sexual activity through a computer;
• use of a computer to solicit a child for unlawful sexual activity under Section 847.0135(3)(a), Florida Statutes;
• certain use of computer prohibited under 847.0135(5)(a)2, Florida Statutes;
• transmission of child pornography under 847.0137, Florida Statutes;
• possession of child pornography or sexual performance under 827.071(5)(a), Florida Statutes; and
• solicitation of a child (parent or guardian) using the internet under 847.0135(3)(b) Florida Statutes.

Additional Resources

Florida Statute 847.0135(4) – Visit the website of the Florida Senate to read the complete statutory language for Florida Statute 847.0135 for Computer pornography, prohibited computer usage, and traveling to meet a minor.

Polk County Traveling to Meet a Child Sting – Read more about a recent sting operation to set up men for traveling to meet a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact, which was conducted in Polk County by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2017. Read more about criminal defense for crimes involving traveling to meet a child for sex prosecuted in Polk County, FL , at the courthouse in Bartow.

Finding an Attorney for Defense of Sexual Motivated Crimes

If you were charged with a sexually motivated crime, such as traveling to meet a minor under Florida Statute Section 847.0135(4), contact a criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients on serious felony and misdemeanor sex crimes in Florida.

Florida Statute Section 847.0135(4) is a second-degree felony. It makes it a crime to travel to meet a minor child for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse after using a computer to solicit the child. The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison.

Call us at (813) 250-0500 to discuss possible defenses to the charge. We can begin your defense today.

This article was last updated on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

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*The case results discussed here do not necssarily reflect the potential outcomes of other cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique and must be evaluated and handled on their own merit.

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Traveling to Meet a Minor for the Purpose of Sexual Conduct - Florida Statute 847.0135(4)

Florida Statute 847.0135(4) makes it a crime to travel to meet a minor for the purpose of committing sexual conduct in West Palm Beach. Subsection (3) of Section 847.0135 is often charged together with this crime because subsection (3) makes it a crime to solicit a child or parent, guardian, or custodian about sexual conduct. Basically, a defendant solicits sexual conduct with a child and then someone travels for the purpose of the child and the defendant meeting; thus, both crimes are normally committed together and then prosecuted together.

Dateline NBC’s show “To Catch a Predator” has televised this crime happening many times. An undercover officer will pose as a child in a chatroom and someone will bring up sex. As the conversation goes on, the defendant and the decoy officer arrange to meet somewhere. The defendant drives to the location, is confronted by the news reporter, and then the defendant is arrested.

There are two crimes listed in subsection four: (1) traveling to meet a minor and (2) traveling to meet a minor facilitated by a parent, guardian, or custodian.

This crime, traveling to meet a minor, is very frequently charged alongside the crime of using a computer to solicit a child for sex over the computer under Section 847.0135(3)(a).

This crime can be committed with different people traveling. The defendant doesn’t have to travel to meet the minor; the defendant could have someone else do the traveling for him. For example, the defendant could get his friend to pick up the child.

The state prosecutor has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant used the internet or a phone capable of sending messages to seduce, solicit, lure, entice, attempt to seduce solicit, lure, entice a child or a person believed by the defendant to be a child to engage in any illegal act under chapter 794, 800, 827, or other unlawful sexual conduct; and
• The defendant then traveled, attempted to travel, caused another to travel, attempted to cause another to travel within this state, to this state, or from this state for the purpose of violating chapter 794, 800, 827, or for having unlawful sexual conduct with a child or a person believed by the defendant to be a child.

Chapter 794 deals with sexual battery, Chapter 800 deals with lewdness or indecent exposure, and Chapter 827 deals with child abuse.

This scenario typically happens like this, a police officer poses as a parent or relative of the child and discusses with the defendant about him being a “sexual mentor” of some sort to the daughter or niece. The defendant agrees and then someone travels to have them meet. The traveling doesn’t have to be done by the defendant; the parent of the child could bring the child to the defendant.

• The defendant used a computer device, internet, cell phone capable of messaging to solicit, lure, entice, attempt to solicit, lure, or entice a parent, legal guardian, or custodian, or person believed by the defendant to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent for the child or person believed by the defendant to be a child to participate in a violation of chapter 794, 800, or 827 or sexual conduct; and
• The defendant then traveled, attempted to travel, caused another to travel, or attempted to cause another to travel within this state, to this state, or from this state for the purpose of engaging in any illegal act described in chapter 794, 800, or 827 or for unlawful sexual conduct with a child or a person believed by the defendant to be a child.

The age of the police officer cannot be used as a defense. The defendant only had to believe that the police officer was a child, not the officer was a child.

Either one of these crimes is considered a second-degree felony which is punishable up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Both crimes are ranked as level 7 under the Florida Criminal Punishment Code.

A conviction of either crime will result in the defendant being designated a sexual offender. Sexual offenders have many reporting and registration requirements which require constant update to law enforcement about any changes.

It is going to be difficult for the person designated a sexual offender to find a job because his name will be publically displayed on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website as a sexual offender and this conviction cannot be expunged from his record.

A conviction will carry serious consequences. If you have been arrested and charged with this crime in West Palm Beach, contact out law firm. These cases can be difficult and are hard to win because law enforcement has been compiling evidence against you. It is important that our attorneys speak with you to understand your version of the story. We will develop a defense strategy to your case. Sometimes cases cannot be won because the evidence is too great. It is up to you to either take the case to trial or allow us to negotiate a plea deal. If you want us to negotiate a deal, we can create a mitigation package to convince the prosecutor and judge to give you a lesser sentence. However, if you choose to proceed with the case to trial, we will fight for you. Call us today so we can help you.

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• Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender
• Committing an Unnatural and Lascivious Act
• Exposure of Sexual Organs (In a Vulgar or Indecent Manner)
• Lewd or Lascivious Conduct
• Voyeurism (Peeping Tom)
• Video Voyeurism (Peeping Tom With a Camera)
• Incest (Marrying or Having Sex with a Blood-Relative)
• Possession of Material Including Sexual Conduct by a Child
• Traveling to Meet a Minor for the Purpose of Sexual Conduct
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Traveling to Meet a Minor in Florida

Under Florida Statute 847.0135(4) , the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex is defined as traveling any distance within, from, or to Florida for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a child after having used an online service or electronic device to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice the child to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. [1]

If convicted of Traveling to Meet a Minor, a judge is required to impose a minimum prison sentence of 21 months in prison.

The crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act is routinely charged alongside the crime of Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sex through a Computer .

Undercover Law Enforcement Techniques

Notably, it is not a defense to Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit Unlawful Sex if the person posing as a child was actually an undercover law enforcement agent. Common undercover techniques occur when a law enforcement agent either: (1) poses as a child, or the parent of a child; or (2) law enforcement engages in a bait-and-switch conversation.

Police Posing as a Child or Parent of a Child

This tactic was popularized by the Dateline NBC series “To Catch a Predator” with Chris Hansen and involves police routinely posing as underage children (or the parents of underage children) on popular internet sites such as AOL, Facebook, Yahoo, and Craigslist. [1]

Importantly, the fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of the crime of Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct Using a Computer cannot be raised as a defense in a subsequent prosecution for the offense. [2]

The “Bait and Switch” Technique

Initially, the undercover law enforcement agent proposes engaging in legal sexual behavior; the most common scenario being a single mother looking to meet an adult male interested in sexual activity.

However, the undercover agent quickly redirects the conversation from lawful sexual relations with the “mother” to unlawful sexual relations with the mother’s minor child (almost always 14 years of age).

Penalties for Traveling to Meet a Minor

In Florida, the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex is a Second Degree Felony and punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in prison, fifteen (15) years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex is assigned a Level 7 offense severity ranking under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code . Absent grounds for a downward departure sentence, a judge is required to sentence a person convicted of Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex to a minimum sentence of 21 months in prison.

Multiple Charges for Single Episode

Each separate use of a computer, online service, Internet service, or electronic device can be charged as a separate criminal offense.

This means that if you use a computer on four separate occasions to discuss engaging in unlawful sex with a person believed to be a minor, you can be charged with four separate counts of Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act.

Defenses to Traveling to Meet a Minor

In addition to the pretrial defenses and trial defenses that can be raised in any criminal case, specific defenses to the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor are:

Entrapment occurs when an agent of the government induces a person to commit a crime that the person was not otherwise predisposed to commit.

In most prosecutions where the “Bait & Switch“ technique is used to charge a defendant with the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act, the inducement by the government agent will not be in question; it is the predisposition of the defendant that will be the issue.

In determining whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act, we would need to closely examine the following issues to see if an Entrapment Defense might be viable:

• Who initiated the discussions of unlawful sexual acts;
• Persistence of law enforcement to commit the unlawful sexual act;
• Documented instances of reluctance by the defendant to commit the unlawful sexual act; and
• Defendant’s expressed sexual interests.

Lack of Seduction, Solicitation, Luring, or Enticement

A fundamental element of the crime of Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act is that the defendant either seduce, solicit, lure, or entice the child or person believed to be a child to engage in an unlawful sexual act.

However, each word has a very specific legal meaning and if the defendant did not actually engage in acts that would constitute seduction, soliciting, luring, or enticement; then the person cannot be convicted of the crime.

This defense is most viable in “Bait & Switch“ prosecutions where the undercover law enforcement agent directs the entire conversation and the defendant merely acquiesces to the proposals.

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby

If you have been arrested or charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act in Central Florida or the Greater Orlando area, contact Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.

The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.

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Boca Raton Resident, Magazine Publisher Charged With Child Solicitation, Molestation

• Saturday, 27 May 2023, 17:36 Sunday, 28 May 2023, 16:30

Publisher Of “The Home Mag” Released After Posting $150,000 Bond.

BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The publisher of the Broward County edition of “The Home Mag” is facing molestation and multiple child solicitation charges Sunday morning. He was arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday and released from the Palm Beach County Jail Saturday night after posting $150,000 bond.

Clint Christopher, 47, is officially charged with “obscene communication — travel to meet after using computer to lure child,” and “obscene communication — use computer to seduce, solicit, lure child.” He is additionally charged with “lewd and lascivious behavior, molest victim 12 years of age to 16 years of age by an offender 18 years of age or older.”

Christopher was taken into custody on May 25th by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. He posted $150,000 bond and was released at 8:23 p.m. Saturday — two days later.

The arrest report continues to be processed. We will update once additional information is obtained. The Home Magazine is an advertising magazine distributed across the United States. Records indicate that Clint Christopher is responsible for a Broward County edition.

Clint Christopher lists the 10400 block of Plaza Centro — in the Mission Bay area of West Boca Raton — as his residential address.

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Seminole County deputies arrest 2 men accused of traveling to meet kids for sex

Two men were arrested Wednesday, accused of traveling to Seminole County to engage in illegal sexual activity with minors.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

According to the sheriff’s office, an undercover officer posing online as a 13-year-old girl made contact with 34-year-old Elias Rodriguez through a dating app.

Deputies say Rodriguez sent messages to the would-be minor, acknowledging her age, requesting a picture, and exchanging messages containing explicit dialogue.

According to sheriff’s office, Rodriguez arrived at a gas station in Lake Mary just before 10 p.m. Wednesday where he expected to meet the teen, but was instead immediately taken into custody.

READ: Off-duty Seminole County deputy shot mother bear that was later euthanized

In an interview, deputies say Rodriguez invoked his right to remain silent.

He was booked into the Seminole County Jail Wednesday on a charge of obscene communication and traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child. He remains there on a $50,000 bond.

Mere moments after Rodriguez was taken into custody, deputies say another man arrived at the same Lake Mary gas station intending to meet a child for sex.

READ: Diamond ring, $1,000 bill among items up for grabs at unclaimed property auction in Orlando

According the sheriff’s office, an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl on a dating app also made contact with 21-year-old Sterven Saint-Hilaire.

As with Rodriguez, deputies say Saint-Hilaire sent messages making it clear he knew the supposed victim was only 14-years-old, but still requested photographs and engaged in explicit conversations before agreeing to meet for a sexual encounter.

Saint-Hilaire arrived at the same gas station shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday and was also taken into custody.

READ: Bunnell Elementary principal, teacher placed on leave after assembly singles out Black students

In his interview with deputies, Saint-Hilaire admitted to knowing the age of the person he was there to meet and acknowledged he had traveled to Lake Mary for the purpose of meeting a child to have sex.

Saint-Hilaire was also booked into the Seminole County Jail on a charge of obscene communication and traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child. He’s being held on $40,000 bond.

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She then conducted 298 fraudulent transactions from 2019 to 2022, totaling over $153,000.

• READ MORE: Woman arrested for stealing over $150K from Naples Ballet

He said, “If I get caught with a girl like you, I will go to prison forever,” and, “Have you ever seen the show ‘How to Catch a Predator?’”

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The victim told police that was when he attacked her, mentioning that the van had no seats, only a mattress and curtains covering the windows.

STATE OF FLORIDA vs. COLON OCASIO, RAUL CHRISTOPHER

Case summary, case details.

Pending - Other Pending

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Charlotte County - Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court

Charlotte County Courthouse

Charlotte, Florida

Judge Details

MASON, DONALD H

ALESSANDRONI, PAUL

PORTER, LISA S

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STATE OF FLORIDA

COLON OCASIO, RAUL CHRISTOPHER

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Plaintiff attorney.

LIPHAM, ALEXA

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RUHL ESQUIRE, RICHARD

Court Documents

6/8/2023: AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE

6/20/2023: AFFIDAVIT INDIGENCE GRANTED/ACCEPTED

Docket Entries

Hearing Event: CRIMINAL CASE MANAGEMENT; Judge: PORTER, LISA S; Location: 4TH FLOOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER

Docket Entry: NOTICE OF DISCOVERY

Docket Entry: NOTICE OF COURT DATE

Docket Entry: CRIMINAL CASE MANAGEMENT SET FOR 08/17/2023 AT 1:30 PM IN 4TH/ , JDG: PORTER, LISA S

Hearing Event: CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT; Judge: PORTER, LISA S; Location: 4TH FLOOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER

Docket Entry: COURT ORDER/NOTICE/MINUTE CMC 8/17 @ 1:30PM

Docket Entry: ORDER SETTING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE - CMC 8/17 1:30

Docket Entry: FILED SEQ: 1 SAME - (787.06 3B) HEALTH-SAFETY COERCE COMM SEX ACTIVITY FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING 7274

Docket Entry: FILED SEQ: 2 AMENDED - (800.04 4A) LEWD LASC OFF-AGAINST CHILD VICTIM 12 YOA U/16 YOA 4007

Docket Entry: FILED SEQ: 3 SAME - (847.0135 4A) OBSCENE COMMUNICATION TRAVEL TO MEET AFTER USE COMPUT TO LURE CHILD 6332

Docket Entry: ARREST SEQ: 2 - (800.04 4B) LEWD OR LASC BATTERY WITH PERSON U/16 4008

Docket Entry: ARREST SEQ: 3 - (847.0135 4A) OBSCENE COMMUNICATION TRAVEL TO MEET AFTER USE COMPUT TO LURE CHILD 6332

Docket Entry: ARREST SEQ: 4 - (893.13 4B) DELIVER TO UNDER 18 YOA SCH I MARIJUNA DISTRIBUTION 3668

Docket Entry: ARREST SEQ: 5 - (827.04 1B) CONTRIB DELINQ MINOR CAUSE CHILD COMMIT ACT OF DELINQ DEPEND NEED 5993

Docket Entry: ARREST SEQ: 1 - (787.06 3B) HEALTH-SAFETY COERCE COMM SEX ACTIVITY FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING 7274

Docket Entry: ARREST WARRANT STATUS CHANGED TO SERVED

Docket Entry: ARREST WARRANT STATUS CHANGED TO SENT TO SHERIFF

Docket Entry: JUDGE MASON, DONALD H: ASSIGNED

Docket Entry: AFFIDAVIT

Docket Entry: CASE FILED 06/05/2023 CASE NUMBER 23000803F

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Broward County - Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court | Other | 2024-04-13

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Multi-agency online sex sting nets 12

PANAMA CITY — A dozen individuals were taken into custody during the weekend after a multi-agency, undercover online sting targeting sexual predators.

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Panama City Police Department and the Panama City Beach Police Department, worked with the Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make contact with predators online in what are called “traveler cases,” or cases where suspects attempt to lure minors for sexual purposes through internet sites, according to a release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

On Saturday, the individuals were arrested and charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, prostitution and drug charges.

Onnie Clements, 20, of 319 Kraft Ave. in Panama City; Desaree Chaffins, 24, of 4324 W. 20th St.; Kayla Davison, 26, of Phenix City, Alabama; Rana Parker, 28, of 108 East Ave. in Panama City; Francine Pettit, 51, of 2300 Sherman Ave., were charged with prostitution.

Jessica Low, 37, of 1013 E. 23rd St., was charged with resisting an officer without violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, using two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, prostitution, possession of controlled substance without prescription, violation of probation-possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine.

Ahfeiona Green, 23, of Georgia, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and prostitution.

Investigators are working to determine if those arrested for prostitution are possibly victims of human trafficking.

William Culbreth, 32, of Panama City, was charged with procure for postitution. Michael Helbling, 21, of 6312 Rasch Ave. in Panama City, was arrested and charged with obscene communication and travel to meet after using a computer to lure. Larry Dobbs, 49, of Cartersville, Georgia, was charged with obscene communication-using a computer to seduce or lure a child. John Churchill, 41, of 1940 Sherman Ave., was charged with obscene communications-use of a computer to seduce or lure a child, obscene communication-travel to meet after use of computer and driving with license suspended or revoked.

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2023 Florida Statutes Title XLVI - Crimes Chapter 847 - Obscenity 847.0135 - Computer Pornography; Prohibited Computer Usage; Traveling to Meet Minor; Penalties.

(1) SHORT TITLE.—This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act.”

(a) Knowingly compiles, enters into, or transmits by use of computer;

(b) Makes, prints, publishes, or reproduces by other computerized means;

(c) Knowingly causes or allows to be entered into or transmitted by use of computer; or

(d) Buys, sells, receives, exchanges, or disseminates,

any notice, statement, or advertisement of any minor’s name, telephone number, place of residence, physical characteristics, or other descriptive or identifying information for purposes of facilitating, encouraging, offering, or soliciting sexual conduct of or with any minor, or the visual depiction of such conduct, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this section shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this section.

(a) Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, a child or another person believed by the person to be a child, to commit any illegal act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in any unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed by the person to be a child; or

(b) Solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to solicit, lure, or entice a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child or a person believed to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of such child in any act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in any sexual conduct,

commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who, in violating this subsection, misrepresents his or her age, commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Each separate use of a computer online service, Internet service, local bulletin board service, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission wherein an offense described in this section is committed may be charged as a separate offense.

(a) Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child or another person believed by the person to be a child, to engage in any illegal act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in other unlawful sexual conduct with a child; or

(b) Solicit, lure, or entice or attempt to solicit, lure, or entice a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child or a person believed to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of such child in any act described in chapter 794, chapter 800, or chapter 827, or to otherwise engage in any sexual conduct,

commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

1. Intentionally masturbates;

2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or

3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity

live over a computer online service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service and who knows or should know or has reason to believe that the transmission is viewed on a computer or television monitor by a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition in violation of this subsection. The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this subsection shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this subsection.

(b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition using a computer commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition using a computer commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(d) A mother’s breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute a violation of this subsection.

(6) OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF COMPUTER SERVICES LIABLE.—It is unlawful for any owner or operator of a computer online service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service knowingly to permit a subscriber to use the service to commit a violation of this section. Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000.

(7) STATE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.—A person is subject to prosecution in this state pursuant to chapter 910 for any conduct proscribed by this section which the person engages in, while either within or outside this state, if by such conduct the person commits a violation of this section involving a child, a child’s guardian, or another person believed by the person to be a child or a child’s guardian.

(8) EFFECT OF PROSECUTION.—Prosecution of any person for an offense under this section shall not prohibit prosecution of that person in this state or another jurisdiction for a violation of any law of this state, including a law providing for greater penalties than prescribed in this section or any other crime punishing the sexual performance or the sexual exploitation of children.

History.—s. 11, ch. 86-238; s. 213, ch. 91-224; s. 71, ch. 96-388; s. 3, ch. 2001-54; s. 5, ch. 2007-143; s. 4, ch. 2008-172; s. 7, ch. 2009-194.

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Nearly a dozen men, ranging in age from 18 to 77, were arrested by the Orlando Police Department as part of a multi-agency investigation targeting suspected child predators.

According to OPD, “Operation CACHE” began on May 9, 2024, and it involved OPD detectives, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Secret Service agents, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Altamonte Springs Police Department, Port Orange Police Department, and Sanford Police Department.

During the operation, detectives posed as minors and parents with access to minors in order to locate online predators who wanted to have sex with children.

OPD stated that the following six men were arrested during Operation CACHE when they traveled to a predetermined location in Orlando to meet with a child that they believed was 13 or 14 years old:

• Stanley Champagne, 35, of Orlando . He is being charged with obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and obscene material – transmitting information harmful to minors.  
• Jermaurey Joshua Aaron Bonner, 31, of Orlando . He is being charged with obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, solicitation of a minor via computer, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.  
• Ross Nathaniel Greenhill, 35, of Melbourne . He is being charged with obscene communication – using a computer to solicit a parent/guardian, obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
• Ivan Lopez Guzman, 43, of Altamonte Springs . He is being charged with obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, solicitation of a minor via computer, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
• Pooran Ramjattan, 61, of Kissimmee . He is being charged with obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and obscene material – transmitting information harmful to minors.
• Altravias Jaabar King, 35, of Orlando . He is being charged with solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, obscene communication – travel to meet after using a computer to lure a child, attempted lewd or lascivious battery, and attempted enticement of a minor.

In addition, the following five men were nabbed during the operation after warrants were issued for their arrests:

• James Bradley Winston, 77, of Lakeland . He is being charged with solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and obscene material – transmitting information harmful to minors.
• Jessie James Turner II, 30, of Orlando . He is being charged with solicitation of a minor via computer and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
• Daniel Moy Hilaryo Hidalgo, 27, of Port Richey . He is being charged with solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and obscene material – transmitting information harmful to minors.
• Justin Joel Acevedo, 25, of Kissimmee . He is being charged with solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and obscene material – transmitting information harmful to minors.
• Jonathan Robert Rodriguez, 18, of Orlando . He is being charged with obscene communication – using a computer to solicit a parent/guardian and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.  

According to Orlando police, one of the suspects, Jermaurey Joshua Aaron Bonner, allegedly told investigators that he was trying to become a local youth pastor.

Two of the suspects, Ross Nathaniel Greenhill and Jonathan Robert Rodriguez, are accused of soliciting an agent posing as a parent to have sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Another suspect, Altravias Jaabar King, was released from prison on March 1, 2024, for attempted homicide after serving a 10-year sentence. At the time of his arrest, he was on parole.

“Some of the men arrested also transmitted images of their genitals, pornographic videos, and other images that may be harmful to minors, in addition to soliciting minors or parents with access to minors for sex with children during the undercover operation,” stated OPD on social media.

The police department added that three of these cases have been adopted federally and the suspects will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The remaining eight cases will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

The Orlando Police Department is reminding parents to monitor the social media and online accounts of their children, and to report any incidents to their local police department or sheriff’s office.

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North Port Police arrest a Suncoast man for allegedly traveling to meet a child

I searched for the Probable Cause Affidavit on Richard Fardo and it is not available yet, I will post an update when it is available on Monday.  If the NPPD puts out a release, I will post it on here.

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Obscene Communication-Travel To Meet After Use Com

There are the recent arrests for individuals charged under what was recorded as Obscene Communication-Travel To Meet After Use Com . This charge is recorded by the Orange County or other local sheriff's department.

Arrests Possibly Related to this Law

RIVERA, FELIX

WERKEISER, CALEB ROBERT

ALVAREZ, JAVIER JOSE

TKATCH, CORY JASON

ZOHAR, ARIEL

WORRELL, AARON STEPHEN

DAMRON, JOHNNY RAY

CHACONFAJARDO, FAUSTO NORBERTO

JOLLIFFE, ROBERT EARL

BELLORIVERA, ANTHONY

BERNAL, NOAH EMMANUEL

GREEN, KEITH EDWARD JR

TYSON, DAMON SHAWN

PURVIS, JOSHUA

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Florida man arrested in undercover operation after trying to meet up with 14-year-old, deputies say

Cristian Marquez Collantes, 26, was arrested for trying to meet with a 14-year-old in Seminole County. (Courtesy of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office)

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Seminole County deputies made an arrest Thursday after a man attempted to meet up with a 14-year-old, according to an arrest report.

Undercover law enforcement utilized a persona of a 14-year-old girl on social media. Through this platform Cristian Marquez Collantes, 26, communicated with the minor. Collantes asked for a picture, and continued to engage in explicit conversation, and expressed that he wanted to engage in sexual activity.

According to the arrest report, Collantes recognized and acknowledged the age of the child.

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Collantes then agreed to meet with the minor with at an undisclosed location. Collantes arrived around 2:50 p.m. on Thursday and was taken into custody upon arrival.

The 26-year-old was taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility where he is being held with a bond of $70,000.

Collantes is facing charges of "obscene communication travel to meet after use computer to lure child", and attempt to transmit harmful material to a minor.