TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa International Airport officers arrested
33-year-old Jonathan Lane of Arizona at the airport Monday, after a
Tampa father reported Lane's intentions to engage in sexual activity
with his 14-year-old, disabled daughter.
Deputies say Lane sent the 14-year-old victim numerous messages via
computer and cell phone with lewd and lascivious language and photos.
Lane traveled from Arizona to Tampa, authorities say, to meet with
the victim by using tickets purchased by the girl, who used her
grandmother's credit card.
Deputies say Lane messaged the teen over Yahoo Messenger and said he
intended to engage in sexual activity with her upon his arrival to
Tampa.
The victim's father intercepted the email messages and contacted
Tampa International Airport police. Airport police detained Lane, and
contacted Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives. Reports
indicate that Lane admitted to the offense.
"I guess the sickening thing about it, he did know and he was fully
aware the victim was 14 years of age and confined to a wheelchair," said
Capt. Frank Baker of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Baker says it's important for parents to keep tabs on their kids' on-line activity to protect them from predators.
"It doesn't matter how far away, they'll find a way to get here and harm your children."
Lane has been charged with the following:
- Traveling to Meet A Minor
- Use of a Computer to Solicit Certain Illegal Acts
- Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor
- Lewd or Lascivious Battery (attempted)
WTSP