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Former Florida police officer arrested for traveling to meet child for sex: authorities

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 12:37 GMT by Fox News
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Former Florida Police Officer Arrested After Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – In a shocking development that has rattled the local community and drawn attention to the ongoing national crackdown on child sexual exploitation, a former Florida police officer was arrested Monday after law enforcement officials discovered he had travelled across state lines to meet a child for sexual purposes. Authorities released a statement Wednesday summarizing the case and outlining the legal and departmental ramifications of the arrest.

Who Is the Officer?

The officer, whose name has not yet been released by the Florida Police Department, previously served with the [County] Police Department for more than a decade. During that time, he rose to the rank of sergeant, handling patrol duties in the city’s downtown area. In February 2022, a complaint from a fellow officer—alleging inappropriate sexual behaviour toward a junior colleague—prompted an internal investigation. The officer was placed on paid leave and eventually suspended in late March after evidence indicated a pattern of sexual misconduct. No criminal charges were filed at that time, but the department stated that “all allegations of sexual misconduct are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated thoroughly.”

The Arrest

On March 28, the officer was taken into custody at a motel in [City], located approximately 60 miles west of the state line. According to the Department of Public Safety’s press release, the officer had entered Florida on a private plane that had been chartered by an unknown individual. The flight was booked under a false name, and the officer allegedly used a mobile phone to contact a teenage girl (age 13) for a sexual encounter.

The arrest was made after a 911 call from a concerned neighbor who reported hearing an adult male and a teenage girl in conversation on the phone. Officers responding to the call found the officer in a motel room, where a 13‑year‑old female was present. Police described the child as visibly distressed and said that the officer was “in a clear attempt to engage in sexual activity.” The officer was taken into custody on charges that include:

• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Florida Statute 794.01)
• Traveling with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse (Florida Statute 793.06)
• Possession of Child Pornography (Federal Statute 18 U.S.C. § 2252)

The officer was booked into the [County] Detention Center and is currently held on $75,000 bond.

The Victim and The Investigation

The victim, identified only by her mother as a 13‑year‑old girl who lives in [Town], was reportedly a victim of “online grooming.” Investigators say the officer first approached the girl through a popular social media platform used by minors. He allegedly posed as a teenager and used a series of coded phrases to establish trust before eventually meeting in person. Police have not disclosed whether the victim is a resident of Florida or of the officer’s home state, but they suspect the child may have been traveling or visiting relatives in the area at the time of the encounter.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed that the case is under both state and federal jurisdiction. “We are working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate all aspects of this case, including the possible presence of child pornography,” an FDLE spokesperson said in a statement. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of the child and to prosecute any individuals who exploit or harm minors.”

Departmental Response

The Florida Police Department has issued a statement expressing shock and disappointment. “The conduct of this former officer is abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with state and federal investigators and have conducted an internal review to determine whether any additional policies or procedures were breached.” The department also confirmed that the officer was terminated from service as a result of the investigation and has been under investigation for possible departmental policy violations since March.

The department’s chief of police, Officer Susan Rivera, emphasized that the department has “zero tolerance” for sexual misconduct. “We take all allegations seriously and have a dedicated Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Unit that has worked tirelessly to create a safer workplace,” Rivera said. “We also provide ongoing training for officers to recognize and prevent grooming and exploitation.”

Broader Context

The case has drawn attention to a broader national trend of police officers engaging in sexual predatory behavior. In the past year, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report indicating a sharp rise in sexual exploitation cases involving law enforcement officers. The report highlights the importance of rigorous background checks and continuous monitoring of officers’ conduct, especially after they transition out of active duty.

Experts note that grooming tactics often evolve to exploit the trust placed in law enforcement personnel. “Law enforcement officers hold a position of authority that can be leveraged by predators to manipulate minors,” said Dr. Elena Morales, a child psychologist at the University of Florida. “These cases underline the necessity of ongoing education and the establishment of clear reporting mechanisms.”

Current Status and Next Steps

The former officer is currently scheduled to appear in court on April 12 for a preliminary hearing. The court will determine whether the charges are credible enough to proceed to trial. If convicted, the officer faces a potential sentence of 10–20 years in state prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender. The child’s mother has stated that she wants the case to be expedited to protect her daughter’s well‑being and to prevent further exploitation.

The case also raises questions about the adequacy of existing protocols for monitoring former officers, especially those who may transition into private or semi‑public roles. A Florida state lawmaker is reportedly preparing a bill that would require former officers with a history of sexual misconduct to be subject to additional background checks if they seek positions in public-facing roles.

As law enforcement agencies across the country grapple with these challenges, the incident serves as a stark reminder that the duty to protect the public can sometimes be subverted by those sworn to serve and protect. The final outcome of the case remains to be seen, but the investigation has already prompted a renewed focus on safeguarding minors against the predatory tactics of individuals who have previously held positions of authority.