CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Robert William Austin, 58, of Sanderson, Florida, was arrested as a result of an undercover investigation that members of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) began during the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Operation Lucky Strike.
During Operation Lucky Strike, which was conducted in March, law enforcement officials created fictitious profiles on various websites, waiting to be solicited through online messages by these subjects.
Despite the acknowledgment of the child’s age, many individuals still chose to send sexually explicit pictures, messages, and detailed requests of various deviant activities they wanted to perform with the child.
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According to investigators, some even drove more than an hour in the hopes of meeting a minor for sexual activity but instead encountered law enforcement.
Austin was among the subjects speaking with one of our sworn personnel, who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Despite knowing the age of the “juvenile,” he began sending sexually explicit images. CCSO obtained a warrant for Austin’s arrest; however, he was not at his residence located in Baker County.
On Friday, he advised the juvenile” that he was fishing near Jacksonville and sent a lewd picture. CCSO Detectives made contact with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office in Jacksonville, who identified the location where Austin was fishing.
The CCSO HTCU then traveled to Jacksonville, where they made contact with Austin and confirmed he was the subject communicating with the “juvenile.” He was then arrested on a bench warrant.
“The safety of everyone in our respective communities is a common goal amongst all law enforcement of this great state,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“Austin knowingly sent sexually explicit messages to who he believed was a minor. Preying on children is despicable – especially when you are in a position of trust, and you utilize that status for vile acts. Thanks to the continuous partnerships between CCSO and fellow agencies throughout Florida, this abhorrent individual was brought to justice.”
Austin was arrested for:
- Seven counts of Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor
- Two counts of Computer Pornography – seducing, soliciting, luring, or enticing a child to engage in an illegal act.
- One count of Unlawful Use of a 2-way Communication Device.
He was booked at the John E. Goode Pre-trial Detention Facility with a bond of $20,000.
“CCSO would like to thank all of our law enforcement agency partners who played an integral role in this arrest and their unwavering commitment to protecting our youth,” said CCSO.
If you suspect someone is committing crimes against our youth, call (352) 249-2790 to immediately report your suspicions to our office. Or download the Sheriff’s App (search Citrus County Sheriff’s Office) to use the Submit a tip’ feature to make a report instantly.
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