Third arrest made in St. Johns County child sex case involving video posted on Facebook

A Jacksonville man was arrested on a warrant on three St. Johns County Sex Crimes, the last of three men to be arrested involving a Facebook post that included an underage person in a racy video. The man was arrested this month, two months after two St. Johns County men were charged in the case, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. The investigation began after school officials called police about the video that was apparently being used to promote one of the three defendants’ rap music songs, the newspaper reported.

The defendant is charged with lewd and lascivious battery by promoting a sex act with a victim less than 16, and with promoting the sexual performance of a child. Both charges are second-degree felonies that carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for each charge. The defendant is also facing a third charge of transmitting pornography by an electronic device. That charge is a third-degree felony with a maximum penalty of five years in state prison.

The defendant was released shortly after his arrest, posting a $250,000 bond to be released, the newspaper reported. The first two men arrested are still in jail on St. Johns County Sex Crimes charges. One is being held on a $200,000 bond, the second on a $50,000 bond. In order to be released, a defendant will have to pay 10 percent of the bond. So for the $250,000 bond, the defendant would have to pay $25,000 to be released. For the defendant, the first two charges – lewd and lascivious battery by promoting a sex act with a victim less than 16 and promoting the sexual performance of a child – are the main charges to pay attention to. A guilty plea or conviction to either St. Johns County Sex Crimes charge could result in the defendant being classified as a registered sex offender. If a person is required to register as a sex offender, he or she must check in with police at least twice a year, and whenever the person moves residences. And, when that move occurs, neighbors are notified that a sex offender is now living nearby, which can in essence make a sex offense a life sentence. Our St. Johns County Sex Crimes Attorney knows the ramifications a guilty plea or conviction can have – for many years past a potential prison sentence. Our St. Johns County Criminal Defense Attorney can explain those consequences so you or your loved one can make the best decision going forward.

If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our St. Johns County Sex Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.