A Florida man arrested earlier this month for internet sex crimes now faces charges for the alleged lewd and lascivious molestation of a 7-year-old girl. Sources apparently came forward after learning about the man’s earlier arrest. The victim alleges that the man had been touching her inappropriately for years.
The earlier charges against the man are based on evidence obtained during an undercover operation called Operation Cyber Child, in which members of the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task force posted fictitious ads or profiles on various websites posing as children.
As a result of the online sex sting, the man was charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, use of a communication device to seduce a child, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
The man posted bond 2 days after his earlier arrest. In light of the most recent charges, however, local authorities are reported to be working with prosecutors to get the man’s bond revoked. The man has been taken back into custody.
Child sexual abuse is taken very seriously by law enforcement officials. For that reason, people charged with sex offenses are often unfairly presumed to be guilty. That bias can escalate if subsequent allegations arise, as in today’s story. In such event, you need to get in touch with an accomplished criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will review the charges against you and mount the best defense for trial.
Being accused of such a serious crime can be traumatic. You may be facing consequences that include curtailed rights, the label of sex offender, prison time, mandatory sexual counseling, trouble finding employment, and social stigma. If you have been accused of committing a sexual offense, don’t delay in contacting an attorney.
Source: The Ledger, “Haines City Man Charged With Molesting Girl; Previously Arrested in an Online Sex Sting,” June 26, 2012