Alabama Man Accused of Florida Child Sex Crimes

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Justin William Gifford, 26, of Enterprise, Alabama, is facing the full weight of federal law after being indicted on charges of attempting to prey on a child in Florida. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced Gifford is accused of one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to minors, and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct – a grim combination that could land him behind bars for life.

According to the indictment, Gifford allegedly traveled from Alabama to Florida with the specific intent of engaging in these heinous acts. Details surrounding the alleged victim and the specifics of the planned encounter remain sealed, but authorities moved quickly to intercept Gifford and bring him to justice. This isn’t some casual crossing of state lines; it’s a calculated and disturbing attempt to exploit a vulnerable child.

The case was a joint effort, spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with crucial support from the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This multi-agency collaboration highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating these types of crimes and the commitment to bringing predators to account.

Gifford is currently scheduled to appear for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on August 19, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Tallahassee. At that time, he will be formally presented with the charges and enter a plea. Assistant United States Attorney Eric K Mountin is prosecuting the case, ensuring a rigorous legal challenge against Gifford.

This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 aimed at combating the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program pools resources from federal, state, and local agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute offenders, as well as to rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a declaration of guilt. Gifford, like all defendants in the American justice system, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the charges he faces are severe, and if convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 across the nation, will continue to aggressively pursue those who endanger our children. Public court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Further information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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