News


FDLE arrests man for traveling to meet a child for sexual activity

 
For Immediate Release
June 9, 2022
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Stuart W. Heltne, 56, of Daytona Beach, for traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, solicitation of a minor and transmitting harmful material to a minor.  Daytona Beach Police Department assisted in the investigation.
 
FDLE began its case earlier this week.  The investigation shows that Heltne identified the girl, an 11-year-old, after she was featured on a social media page.  Through social media, he began sending inappropriate messages to who he believed was the child, but was instead the child’s mother. The mother reported the emails to law enforcement.   
 
An undercover agent, posing as the girl, began communicating with Heltne, who sent lewd photos of himself and arranged to meet the “child” for pizza and sex.  Agents arrested Heltne in Daytona Beach yesterday as he arrived to meet the 11-year-old.  He was carrying with him a backpack containing child pornography and sex toys.
 
He was booked into the Volusia County Jail.  This case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. 
 
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.