Police arrested a Palm Harbor man for sex crimes with children. Police said there could be more victims in our community, in Pasco and Pinellas Counties.
Tarpon Springs police said Charles Dudley created a fake Facebook page and send nude pictures to someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl. It was actually an undercover officer, but police said, they have been looking into Dudley for 8 months.
The concerned mother of a real 13-year-old girl filed a report against Dudley.
Monday, Dudley met that undercover police officer. He sent messages saying he wanted to have sex with her. Police said Dudley had a child with him during the meet-up.
According to KidsLiveSafe, in the last 3 years, the number of online sexual offenses has more than doubled. 82% of online sex crimes start on social media sites. Experts said predators use social media to learn their victims habits and what they like.
According to a safety guide from Enough Is Enough, Making the Internet Safer for Children and Families, some warning signs that your child may be talking to an online predator include: your child starts being secretive and obsessive about what they are doing online, change the screen when an adult walks in the room and starts getting mail or gifts someone you don’t know.
Experts said communication is key. You want to ask your kids questions about online strangers.
Dudley claimed he never had sex with a child. Police said he had multiple young victims. If you think he may have targeted your child, call police.
For more information about keeping you children safe, visit http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cms/FCCC/Useful-Links.aspx
