Leon County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 13 Men for Sex Crimes Against Children During Sting Operation

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the arrest of 13 people in conjunction with a sting operation that lasted over the course of three days. Dubbed “Operation Spring Cleaning”, their efforts found that 170 people continued conversations with an individual they believed was a minor. The 13 who were arrested were those who took it a step further and actually made the effort to meet up with the minor for sexual favors.

Among those arrested included a former LCSO deputy. This wasn’t the first time he was caught up in an undercover investigation. The 29-year-old was arrested for similar charges in 2022 by his colleagues in the sheriff’s department while he was still employed as a bailiff deputy. He was subsequently terminated.

Law enforcement officers say that most of the men’s intentions were clear when they went to meet with undercover officers. One arrived at the agreed-upon location with condoms and lubrication, as well as a shotgun, in his car. Another was arrested for the second time in two years. He believed he was soliciting the parent of an 11-year-old girl. He intended to pay to have sex with her and record the interaction.

Analyzing the charges 

Most of the men caught in the sting operation were charged with either soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer service or electronic device or traveling to meet a minor.

Florida Statute 847.0135(4) defines the crime of traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of committing sexual conduct. The crime is often charged together with solicitation of a minor as is the case with these individuals who were charged in the sting. Essentially, you can be charged with this crime if you solicit sexual conduct from a minor child and then travel to meet the child. The two are charged separately. To commit the crime of traveling, you must have made an effort to meet up with the child. But first, you must have solicited the child over the internet. So, you’ll find that some of the men have just been charged with solicitation, while others were charged with both solicitation and attempting to meet the child.

Solicitation is considered a third-degree felony under the law. It is punishable by a maximum of 5 years in state prison. Traveling to meet a minor is considered a second-degree felony. It is punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. The defendants will also be forced to register as sex offenders.

Talk to a Tallahassee Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

If you find yourself caught up in a sting, you should know that law enforcement is constantly running these types of operations. After you’ve been arrested, you should immediately call an experienced criminal defense attorney, as you are facing a maximum of 20 years on the charges. Call Tallahassee criminal defense lawyer Luke Newman, P.A. today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.

Source:

tallahassee.com/story/news/local/2024/06/06/leon-county-sheriffs-office-sting-operation-leads-to-13-arrests/73985838007/