Harmful Communication To A Minor

Everyone knows that online solicitation of a minor, but did you know that you can also get criminal charges for things you say to minors online, even if your words and actions do not meet the definition of online solicitation? Florida law defines the criminal offense of harmful communication to a minor as making sexually explicit comments or statements to minors. The charge can apply whether the communication takes place in person, by phone, by text message, or online. Harmful communication to minors is a felony. You might be able to establish doubt about the charges by presenting a full record of the communication and showing that it is not explicit enough for the charges to apply. Another possible defense, especially if the communication took place online, is that you were not the one who made the statements that led to the accusations against you. If you are being accused of harmful communication to a minor, contact a Tampa sex crimes lawyer.

Students Allege That School Custodian Made Inappropriate Comments to Them in the Lunchroom

A school custodian in Broward County is facing criminal charges for drug possession after a surveillance camera at the school showed that a bag of cocaine fell out of the custodian’s trousers pocket when he tried to take his phone out of his pocket. Drug possession is currently the only criminal charge he is facing, but after his arrest, a student from the school spoke to the media about other alleged misconduct by the custodian. The student said that the custodian would sometimes sit down at a lunch table with the student and several other girls and converse with them, and that he made numerous inappropriate comments about the girls’ bodies and physical appearance. If law enforcement is able to corroborate the teen’s statements, he may face additional charges for harmful communication to a minor.

Pennsylvania Man Accused of Sending Harmful Material to Teen Social Media Influencer

Meanwhile, in Walton County, a man is facing charges for harmful communication to a minor, among other charges. The defendant lives in Pennsylvania, and several months ago, he began sending messages to a teen social media personality who lives in northern Florida. The teen never responded to the man’s messages. Based on her online posts, he was able to tell approximately where she was, and he traveled to Walton County, as he had said that he would do in his messages. When he parked his car in the driveway of the teen’s house, her father came out of the house and confronted him. The girl’s father chased the man away and called the police. While free on bail, the defendant may not access the Internet or have contact with minors.

Contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Bryant Scriven

A criminal defense lawyer can help you get justice if you are facing criminal charges for harmful contact with a minor, arising from communications that took place in person or online.  Contact Scriven Law in Tampa, Florida to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

local10.com/news/local/2025/10/01/davie-middle-school-custodian-arrested-after-cocaine-found-on-campus-cops-say/

nbcmiami.com/news/local/davie-middle-school-custodian-arrested-cocaine-inappropriate-comments/3700357/

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0847/Sections/0847.01385.html#:~:text=800.04(1).,775.082%2C%20s.

6abc.com/post/jarred-easter-arrest-trevose-pa-man-accused-stalking-florida-influencer/17598320/