For Immediate Release
January 30, 2024

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Cyber agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested James Michael Burkett, 31, of Pensacola Monday for sexual solicitation of a child online.

The investigation into Burkett started in November of 2023 when he initiated communication on a social media platform with who he believed was a 13-year-old female. In fact, Burkett was communicating with an FDLE undercover agent posing as a teen.

During the course of the communications, Burkett sent explicit photos of himself to the “child” and sought to meet for sexual relations.

Based on the online communications, FDLE obtained a warrant and charged Burkett with one count of using a computer to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a minor; one count of promoting the sexual performance of a minor; two counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor; and one count of the use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

Burkett acknowledged that he was the individual communicating with the child persona. Burkett was transported to the Escambia County Jail where he is being held without bond pending his first appearance.

Burkett will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.  

For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001