Tallahassee Police Arrest University of Employee for Hiring Underage Girl as an Exotic Dancer

Tallahassee police arrested a 64-year-old University of Florida computer research analyst at UF’s Quincy, Florida Research and Education Center on Thursday for promoting and attempting to promote the sexual performance of a child, child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The man allegedly runs an exotic dancing service and was arrested on charges involving employing an underage girl as a dancer.

According to Tallahassee police, an anonymous tip was received that the man had hired an underage girl as a prostitute. A joint investigation was conducted by the police and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office that lead to his arrest for supposedly hiring the minor as a dancer.

He was taken to the Leon County Jail where he remained on Friday.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

A University of Florida spokeswoman said the man has been placed on administrative leave from his UF position.

The state of Florida makes it unlawful for any person to possess a photograph, film, exhibition, show, representation or any other type of presentation that includes any type of sexual conduct done by a child less than 18 years of age. The performance aspect of any sexual performance of a minor charge consists of any play, dance, film or any other type of visual representation that displays a minor in front of an audience. In such cases, lack of knowledge of the child’s age or having a reasonable belief that the child was of legal age, although potentially true, cannot be used as a defense to the charge.

The consequences of a conviction for promoting the sexual performance of a child are quite severe, including a maximum of 15 years in prison, even if this is your first offense. Having any prior convictions related to a similar charge could result in a mandatory prison term of 25 years with no eligibility for parole. Registration as a sex offender or sexual predator is another punishment associated with a conviction of promoting the sexual performance of a minor.

If you have been arrested, charged or are even under investigation for promoting the sexual performance of a minor in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers online or call the Gainesville office at 352-264-7800 or reach us toll-free at 866-608-5529.