Human Trafficking

Indiana Man Facing Underage Sex Charges in Orlando

Central Florida authorities have arrested an Indiana man on charges of human trafficking, unlawful sexual activity with a minor and lewd and lascivious battery.

On Thursday, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation arrested the 58-year-old man claiming that he had sexual contact with two teenage girls while vacationing in the Orlando area.

He was being held at the Jasper County Jail in Indiana pending extradition to Florida.

The man allegedly told officers that he thought the two teens were more than 18 years old.

Authorities believe he contacted the teens after seeing an ad on Backpage.com. He apparently let them stay with him at a vacation condo he was renting.

Investigators claim one of the teens was a runaway from the Melbourne area.

Engaging in sexual activity with a minor who is 15 years old or younger in the state of Florida, regardless of whether the minor gives consent, is considered rape. Unlawful sexual activity with a minor includes oral, vaginal, or anal penetration or union with the sexual organ of another. These situations and allegations are typically complex, as are the laws that govern them in Florida. Our Florida Sex Crimes Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you understand what you may be facing, and help you work towards obtaining positive results.

Any person accused of unlawful sexual activity with a minor or any other type of sex crime is innocent until proven guilty. Prosecutors must prove specific elements of a crime in order to attain a conviction. If all elements cannot be proven, you cannot be found guilty or convicted.

Sex crimes are prosecuted quite vigorously in Florida. If you have been accused of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, your reputation, career, and freedom are all in jeopardy. Our Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can begin helping you right away by mounting a vigorous defense. We will aggressively fight to discredit any evidence prosecutors have against you and map out the most effective way to proceed so that your future is safeguarded. Please call us for a free consultation now at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.

Fri Sep 18, 9:10pm