Detective Posing as Teenager Arrests Florida Man

A detective posing as an underage teenage girl has nabbed a Florida man for making online sexual advances.
Detective Posing as Teenager Arrests Florida Man
2/28/2011
Updated:
2/28/2011
A detective posing as an underage teenage girl has nabbed a Florida man for making online sexual advances.

Authorities in Collier County, Fla., have arrested 20-year-old Craig Mendes of Cooper City, Fla., for attempting to solicit sex from a minor.

In February, a Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputy began chatting undercover with Mendes. During the operation, he posed as a 13-year-old girl. They corresponded via chat and texts.

According to the sheriff’s office, Mendes solicited the detective for sex and asked if they could meet in person.

Mendes was arrested on Thursday in Broward County when arrangements were made for him and the detective to meet. He is charged with two counts of online solicitation and lewd exhibition via webcam.

Mendes faces a felony charge for traveling to meet a minor.