On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
The state of Florida has very strong laws to deter individuals from engaging in sexual activities with minors. In addition to criminal penalties, there is a strong social stigma attached to being convicted of sex crimes. Even those individuals who are in the midst of being prosecuted have a hard time fighting an implicit assumption that they are guilty. Boynton County police have recently arrested a 29-year-old man who works for WPEC-Channel 12 for allegedly enticing an underage boy to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The 29-year-old man was caught through the work of an undercover detective of Boynton County. The detective posed as a 15 year old through the app Grindr, which is targeted to gay and bisexual men. During the exchange of messages, the undercover cop notified the man directly that he was engaging in conversation with a boy who was not yet 16 years of age.
Although the man was suspicious that the boy may be a cop, he reportedly continued to communicate with the cop. Eventually Boynton Beach Police stopped the man recently in a parking lot and took him to the Homeland Security offices in West Palm Beach.
This man may experience scrutiny in the community as his actions are prosecuted. Accusations of sexual crimes against children are severely damaging to the accused’s reputation and professional life. Those accused of such sexual crimes should be vigilant about educating themselves on their legal rights.
When you need a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
The Palm Beach Post, “Jupiter-area man accused of trying to meet juvenile for sex in Boynton Beach,” Alexandra Seltzer, Dec. 27, 2012
