Man arrested in undercover operation targeting child exploitation
EUSTIS – According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a man was caught in an undercover operation that targeted suspects using the internet to exploit children. The Internet Crimes Against …
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Man arrested in undercover operation targeting child exploitation
EUSTIS – According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a man was caught in an undercover operation that targeted suspects using the internet to exploit children.
The Internet Crimes Against Children’s unit said Leslie John Smith, 47, of Eustis, used his computer to solicit a child, transmitted obscene material to minors and used a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
He was arrest on Dec. 29, and his bond was set at $200,009.
According to the affidavit for the arrest report, Smith is suspected of using the internet to find children for sexual conduct between Aug. 2-5. CCSO deputies pretended to be a 13-year-old girl, and they were approached through a mobile app by a man with the username John Smith.
After they exchanged several messages through the app, CCSO provided Smith with a cellphone number. Both sides continued to communicate until Oct. 11. The sheriff’s office linked his phone number to a traffic ticket issued to Leslie John Smith in Jacksonville last January.
Smith requested photos of the “girl,” but none were sent, CCSO said.
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