Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Meeting 12-Year-Old Girl for Sex, Deputies Say
A disturbing incident unfolded in Volusia County, Florida, where a 29-year-old man was apprehended on Saturday after allegedly traveling to meet a 12-year-old girl for sexual purposes.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Donato from Cocoa Beach had made the journey to Deltona with the intention of engaging in sexual relations with the minor. His arrest took place at approximately 10:15 p.m. after he had been conversing with an undercover detective, whom he believed to be the same girl he had already met for sexual encounters on two separate occasions in the past week.
The revelation came after the victim’s family discovered videos on the 12-year-old girl’s phone, showing her engaging in sexual activities with an unidentified individual. Additionally, sexually explicit messages and descriptions of their encounters were found.
The young girl informed authorities that she had been communicating with a person named Brandon Smith, whom she met on the Wink app. She further revealed that their conversations took place on Instagram. After conducting further investigations, analysts from the sheriff’s department were able to trace Donato’s fake social media accounts and confirm that Smith was actually Brandon Donato.
On the day of his arrest, a detective assumed the girl’s identity and arranged a meeting with Donato. However, multiple deputies were waiting at the location to apprehend the suspect.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County praised the swift action taken to apprehend the offender, stating, Thanks to the quick work of everyone involved in this case, there’s one less predator out there exploiting the same apps our kids use. Unfortunately, there are many more waiting for their own opportunity. Everyone should take the time and make the effort to protect our kids from predators who want to steal their childhood.
The charges filed against Donato include lewd or lascivious battery on a child, showing obscene material to a minor, promoting the sexual performance of a child, and traveling and using a computer to solicit a child. He is currently being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $350,000 bond.
This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children from such exploitation. As the authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice, it is crucial for parents and guardians to educate and protect their children by monitoring their online activities, promoting open communication, and staying informed about potential risks. Together, we can strive to create a safer digital environment for our children.
