1. Ocala man accused of meeting 14-year-old for sex
2. Man accused of trying to meet teenager for sex at gas station.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A 33-year-old man from Ocala, Jered Michael Watford, has been taken into custody by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after allegedly trying to engage in sexual activities with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The arrest followed a detailed investigation conducted by law enforcement officials.
Online Communication Leads to Arrest
The arrest of Watford came after a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office initiated contact with him through the social media app “Kik.” Posing as a 14-year-old girl, the detective engaged in conversations with Watford, during which he acknowledged the girl’s age multiple times.
Watford requested photos of the girl holding a note with his name on it to verify her identity, citing his nervousness as the reason for the request. The conversations quickly turned explicit, with Watford sending sexually suggestive messages and expressing a desire to engage in sexual activities with the underage girl.
Attempted Meeting at Gas Station
After arranging to meet at a Shell gas station in Ocala, law enforcement officers were able to locate Watford’s vehicle at the designated meeting spot. Upon seeing the officers, Watford attempted to flee the scene by reversing his vehicle, resulting in a collision with a patrol car.
Despite his attempted escape, Watford was apprehended without further incident. Following his arrest, he admitted to the authorities that he was the owner of the phone number and Kik account used in the communications and acknowledged the sexual nature of his messages to the fictitious 14-year-old girl.
Legal Consequences
Watford is currently being held at the Marion County Jail without bond and is facing charges that include travelling to meet a minor for illegal sexual conduct, soliciting a child using a computer, fleeing from law enforcement, and using electronic communication to facilitate a felony. A court date for his case has yet to be scheduled.
Law enforcement officials are reminding the public of the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilance when it comes to monitoring online interactions, particularly those involving minors. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the community from individuals who seek to exploit vulnerable individuals for illicit purposes.
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Ocala man accused of trying to meet 14-year-old for sex at gas station
accused of trying to meet 14-year-old for sex at gas station.
