A New York man is accused of traveling to New Port Richey to have sex with a 13-year-old girl.
On Tuesday night, at approximately 11 p.m., Pasco deputies were dispatched to the girl’s home in reference to an unwanted guest complaint.
The caller advised that his wife found a 21-year-old man in the bedroom closet of his 13-year-old daughter.
The man, 21, apparently told detectives he traveled from Staten Island, New York to New Port Richey by train to visit the teen.
The detective allegedly discovered the man had numerous nude photos of the victim on his cell phone.
Detectives arrested the man for lewd and lascivious battery, traveling to meet a minor and possession of child pornography.
According to the arrest report, the man told detectives he met the girl three years ago online and started “dating” her a year ago. He apparently told detectives he was unaware that the girl was 13.
The man was booked into the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center on $25,000 bond.
If you have been accused of traveling to meet a minor for sex, it is important to speak with a Pasco County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Do not wait as these charges are very serious. You could face up to 15 years in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Traveling to meet a minor for sex is a felony in Florida. You will still face the same charges regardless of whether or not you were aware that the person you were talking to was a minor and if the sex never actually happened. We know that these charges can be frightening, which is why we will do whatever we can to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
Call us today at 727-847-2299 or contact us online for a free consultation.