The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Isai Arias, 23, of Apopka, on two felony charges of solicitation of a minor and transmission of harmful material.
Arias was using social media messaging apps to solicit sexually explicit content from minors by asking young teenagers to send pictures or videos that were sexual in nature. He also lied about his age telling minors that he was also a teenager. In addition, agents say he sent lewd photos of himself to the children.
“This man pretended to be a teenager online to solicit minors into sending explicit images and sent lewd pictures of himself to children. This is why it is so important for parents to talk to their kids about safe online practices and the threat of digital predators,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“FDLE is committed to finding and arresting these dangerous predators who seek out innocent children online. These predators pretend to be someone they are not in the hopes of engaging with minors online through social media messaging apps,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.
The OROC Cybercrimes Task Force is investigating this case and further charges are pending.
FDLE executed an arrest warrant for Isai Arias on August 15 and subsequently arrested him. He was transported to the Orange County Jail later that day. Arias is being held without bond pending first appearance.
This case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping children safe online at www.secureflorida.org/SF/Family-Safety/BPParents.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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