Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
A Eustis man has been sentenced to more 37 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children and producing and receiving child porn.
The 52-year-old was also ordered by the court to pay $2,020 restitution to the victims.
According to the Department of Justice Middle District of Florida:
As early as 2005, the man hid video cameras in the bathrooms of his residence so he could take pictures of four minors in his custody. In 2014, he sexually assaulted another minor in his custody and recorded the abuse with his computer. He also collected and sent hundreds of pictures depicting sexual abuse and exploitation of minors from at least 2008 to the day before his arrest on Feb. 17, 2015.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Sexual exploitation is a broad category under Florida law in regards to sexual offenses, including Internet communications and child pornography. Federal laws and sentencing guidelines play a role in these sex crimes, which can result in lengthy prison sentences. A conviction under state or federal law could also result in mandatory registration as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
Many accusations regarding alleged sexual exploitations of children are drummed up by overzealous police, prosecutors, and judges who are actively trying to “send a message” about child protection. The sad truth is that even honest mistakes can lead to damaging criminal cases that can change your life forever.
If you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a child in Eustis or elsewhere in Lake County or central Florida, you need the help of a sex crimes defense lawyer. To protect your freedom, please call a Lake County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton today at 352-793-9330 for a free and confidential consultation.