News


Wildwood sex offender arrested for attempting to solicit a child

 
For Immediate Release
April 14, 2016
 
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Joseph Robert Meahl, 50, of 508 2nd Ave., Wildwood, Florida on federal charges of coercion and enticement after he attempted to meet a child for sex.  This case was investigated by FDLE and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. 
 
The investigation began in April, when Meahl engaged in a series of emails with an undercover agent who Meahl believed was the parent of two boys aged 9 and 14.  
During the email exchanges, Meahl offered to meet the boys for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.  Meahl traveled to a Sunrise, Florida hotel for the meeting. 
Meahl was arrested yesterday and transported to the Broward County Jail.  He has been a registered sex offender in Florida since 2009. 
                    
Agents believe Meahl could have committed additional sex crimes.   If you have information about Joseph Robert Meahl, please contact FDLE Miami at (800) 226-3023.
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Molly Best or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

 

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