MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Joseph Raymond Morin, a 51-year-old resident of Ocala, Florida, has admitted guilt in attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. Morin faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment in federal prison, with the sentencing date yet to be determined.
As per the plea agreement, between May 3 and June 26, 2024, Morin engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
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This “girl” was, in fact, an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent. Morin’s actions culminated in his arrest when he traveled to a prearranged location in Marion County with the intention of meeting the fictitious minor for sexual activity.
This case was a result of the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg is handling the prosecution.
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