Chad Theodore Dillon, Online Enticement of a Child, Florida 2016

A Jacksonville, Florida man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for online enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity.

U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan handed down the sentence to Chad Theodore Dillon, 45, of Okaloosa County, who was convicted of online enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity.

The crime was committed in April 2016, when an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted an undercover investigation to identify users of a particular app who were attempting to entice and sexually exploit children.

According to court documents, the investigation began on April 22, 2016, when an FDLE undercover agent published a post that read, “Being 13 and being alone is just no fun at all.” Within a few minutes, the agent received a private message from “Ice Whale,” that read, “R u m or f?,” which initiated a conversation between the two.

During the conversation, “Ice Whale,” later determined to be Dillon, repeatedly solicited the “child” for sexual acts. Dillon also offered to have sex with the “child’s” 12-year-old “friend,” who he believed to be sleeping over at the “child’s” house. He also claimed to have had sex with 12-year-olds a “couple times.”

Dillon provided his cellphone number to the “child” and claimed that his name was “Cory.” Despite repeated conversation, Dillon declined to meet with the “child” for the sexual encounter discussed. However, further investigation revealed that Dillon had previously solicited a 13-year-old child online to produce nude images of herself.

“FDLE appreciates the assistance of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the FBI in safely apprehending this predator, and commends the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s diligence in prosecuting this case,” said Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “We are focused on protecting families and removing these threats to our children.”

The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.

Mandatory Facts:

• Defendant: Chad Theodore Dillon
• Criminal Charge: Online Enticement of a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity
• City and State: Jacksonville, Florida
• Exact Date: April 2016
• Sentence: 40 years in federal prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/internet-predator-sentenced-40-years-federal-prison