A Marion County man has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor into a sexual encounter.
Clayton Lee Harris, 22, of Ocklawaha, entered a guilty plea in federal court to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court records, Harris contacted an undercover officer on an online dating website on July 26, 2025. The undercover officer was posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Harris agreed to meet the ‘girl’ at a local gas station for a sexual encounter.
When Harris arrived at the gas station, he was apprehended by law enforcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case.
Harris faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Harris’ guilty plea highlights the dangers of online predators and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to protect children from exploitation.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the need for vigilance in preventing such crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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