MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Thomas Allen Ebersole, 32, of Dunnellon, Florida, has been arrested and indicted on charges of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
The charges stem from Ebersole’s alleged actions in December 2023, where he drove from Florida to Ohio to pick up a 16-year-old girl he met online and brought her back to his home in Florida.
Law enforcement was able to locate the minor using her online gaming IP address, and DNA evidence confirmed sexual activity between Ebersole and the minor.
Read: Tampa Man, Caught Hiding In Closet, Pleads Guilty To Gas Station Armed Robbery
Ebersole faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted.
The FBI is investigating the case with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Lima Police Department. It’s being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.