Hillsborough County Man Accused of Having Sexual Relations with Minors

Authorities in Hillsborough County said a man faces more than 30 charges as part of a sex-with-minors investigation.

The 26-year-old Valrico man was taken into custody Friday, according to reports.

Deputies said he was charged with 38 different crimes related to “inappropriate sexual contact with two fourteen-year-old minors.”

At the time of the offenses, according to investigators, the man was 25. The investigation came to light in January.

Police allege the man met the teens on Facebook and apparently transmitted and received erotic photographs over Facebook Messenger.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the man admitted to having a sexual relationship with both juveniles throughout 2016.

He was charged 30 counts of lewd or lascivious battery and three counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor, among other charges.

Lewd or lascivious battery, also referred to as statutory rape, is a serious offense in the State of Florida. The crime of lewd or lascivious battery is a felony and if convicted, you could be facing several years imprison, steep fines, and sex offender registration.

Any sex crimes accusation or charge can be detrimental to your personal and professional life. The criminal consequences are so severe that our Florida Statutory Rape Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton encourage you to seek legal counsel immediately. You must face these charges head on and we can review your case and determine the best defense strategy to help you achieve an outcome that you can live with.

Do not delay in contacting us for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you. Call us today at 813-221-3200 or contact us online.