CCSO ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) made an arrest Monday morning of a Suwannee County man who traveled to Lake City in an attempt to meet a minor.
The subject, Terence Eugene Lawrence (33), believed he was talking online with a 13-year-old girl. During his conversation he described sexual acts he wished to engage in with the juvenile. On Monday morning, he attempted to meet with the juvenile at a location on the west side of Columbia County. A Traffic Stop was completed and the suspect was arrested.
Detectives were able to confirm the suspect traveled to meet a minor. They also confirmed the contents of his online chat. He was arrested on several charges, including Traveling to meet a minor, Obscene Communication with a Minor, and Unlawful use of a Two-way communication device.
“These cases are a reminder to us that our children face online dangers not always easily identified,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said in a statement. “The internet is vast and predators find many different ways to communicate with our children. It is important for parents to continuously monitor their child’s online activity and take steps to safeguard them from online dangers. I am proud of the Detectives in this case and their ongoing efforts to protect our children.”
Lawrence was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility without bond.
