OCALA, Fla. – Jhon Astudillo, a 45-year-old man from Ocala, has been indicted on charges of attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison.
According to court documents, Astudillo initiated contact with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old girl on a messaging app.
Read: DOJ: Ocala Gang Member Sentenced To 20 Months For Felon In Possession of Firearm
Despite being informed of the fictitious minor’s age, Astudillo expressed his preference for young girls and sent numerous sexually explicit messages.
Astudillo told her that he likes young girls because they are “perverted;” he described what he has done sexually with girls her age; he inquired about what she has done sexually with older men; and he asked to see her breasts so he could “rate” them.
Astudillo arranged to meet the “child” that night at a predetermined location in Marion County. When Astudillo arrived at the location, he was arrested by law enforcement.
Read: Oxford Woman Killed In Head-On Crash, Ocala Man And Illinois Woman Seriously Injured
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.
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.