Teen faces 27 solicitation counts
RED BAY — A Florida teenagerisfacing27counts of electronic solicitation of a child after police were alerted to messages being sent to a Red Bay girl via social media.
Police Chief Janna Jackson said a family member of the girl saw the message and alerted police.
“We were made aware of this a few months ago, so Capt. Kyle Gober began the investigation and initiated contact with agencies where the teenage boy lived,” Jackson said.
After contacting 18-year-old Jackson Bryant of Fruitland Park, Florida, through his attorney, Bryant surrendered to police.
He was transported to the Red Bay Police DepartmentonWednesday afternoon, arrested and charged with electronic solicitation of a child.
He was then transferred to the Franklin County Jail, where he remains on a $100,000 bond.
“This is a perfect example of a parent paying attention to their daughter’s social media use,” Jackson said. “They were able to intervene before there was any contact between the boy and the victim.
“I would encourage all parents to maintain awareness of their child’s social media usage. If your child has received a message or photo of a sexual nature, contact authorities immediately.”
