News

FDLE arrests Pensacola man for online solicitation of a minor

 

For Immediate Release

January 13, 2016

           
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement yesterday arrested Robert Hardee, 24, 7219 Harding Drive, Pensacola, Florida for online solicitation of a child, transmitting harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.  Hardee was already serving probation on a 2015 child neglect conviction from Escambia County. 
 
Hardee began communicating with an undercover FDLE agent online last June.  During the communication, Hardee solicited who he believed to be a 14-year-old boy.  During the investigation, Hardee sent nude photos and attempted to seduce the undercover agent to engage in sexual activity. 

Hardee was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.  This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.

Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: http://secureflorida.org/staying_safe/best_practices_for_parents/.

For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Molly Best or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.