Florida man arrested on 22 child sex abuse related counts and 21 counts of child porn possession

On July 8, Florida’s Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced that Major Crimes Detective Fredette arrested Alexander Pendleton for three counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, nine counts of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer, 10 counts of transmitting harmful material to minors, and 21 counts of possessing child pornography.

This man preys on children, and he’s not alone.  Predators like Pendleton find their victims on social media and apps, beginning their grooming processes.  ~ MCSO

Pendleton used Snapchat to find his victims, talking to them, telling them he “loved” them. This continued until he coerced them into sending nude photos, while he sent them pictures of himself.

Pendleton is being held at the Marion County Jail with a $2.15 million dollar bond.

The Sheriff’s Office, addressing parents directly, said:  “Parents, you are your child’s first line of defense. Help protect your children from predators like Pendleton. Make sure you monitor their online conversations. Before allowing them to download social media, ask yourself: Do they really need this app? Do the benefits outweigh the dangers?”

While investigating these tips, Detective Fredette believes Pendleton may have more victims. If your child has had contact with Pendleton, please call Det. Fredette at 352-351-4687.

For more information on how to help keep your children safe from online predators, visit https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources

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(Source and Alexander Pendleton booking photo: Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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