News


FDLE case leads to child sex trafficking arrest for Panama City man

 
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. – Damarcus King, 25, of Panama City, was arrested today on an FDLE warrant for one felony count each of sex trafficking, lewd or lascivious battery, promotion of sexual performance by a child, transmission of pornography by electronic device and interference with child custody.
 
Bay County Sheriff’s Office initiated the investigation before requesting FDLE assume the case due to the multiple jurisdictions involved. The investigation revealed that King took a minor from Bay County to a hotel in Gadsden County, where he had sex with her. He also uploaded a nude image of her to a website and arranged for another man to have sex with her in the hotel room, for which King received money from the man.
 
Homeland Security Investigations assisted on the case, as did Perry Police Department, who made the arrest on FDLE’s warrant. The minor victim was safely recovered by law enforcement.
 
King was arrested and booked into the Taylor County Detention Facility on a no-bond status pending first appearance. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit.
 
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: https://www.secureflorida.org/SF/Family-Safety/BPParents.

For Further Information Contact:
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.