OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On Friday, Sept. 22, the Ocala Police Department (OPD) arrested a man on three charges of soliciting a child for sexual conduct via text messages and ten counts of sending explicit material to a child. OPD says the victim in this case is a 13-year-old girl.
Detectives say the arrest came after the child’s mother looked through her child’s phone and discovered inappropriate text messages. OPD says Jerry Aguilar, 39, had been texting the child for several weeks and that they have evidence suggesting Aguilar was grooming the child to be comfortable with him.
With the cooperation of the child and her mother, OPD conducted an operation where Aguilar was unaware that he was communicating with the detective posing as the teen.
During this exchange, OPD says Aguilar made multiple sexual references, sent sexually explicit content, and solicited the child victim to engage in sexual conduct which led to his arrest.
OPD says Aguilar is a horse trainer and coach with children under his supervision. They urge any potential victims to come forward.
These dangerous crimes against children are widespread and can happen to anyone.
In a release, they say, “Aguilar had positioned himself as a close friend to the family, who were all dismayed upon discovering his inappropriate behavior.”
OPD reminds parents to be vigilant about their children’s phone activities and know who they are communicating with at all times.
For tips to help keep your child safe online, click here.