Dennis Michael Wilkerson, Attempting to Entice Minors for Sex, Florida 2014

Dennis Michael Wilkerson, 40, of Lake Mary, has been found guilty of two counts of attempting to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, on October 22, 2014, an FBI Task Force Officer (TFO) working in an undercover capacity posted an advertisement on Craigslist. Wilkerson responded by email, inquiring about sexual activity with a 12-year-old 'girl.'

After a series of communications with the undercover officer, Wilkerson agreed to pay $50 to receive oral sex from the 'girl.' A few days later, Wilkerson traveled to Seminole County to meet with the minor. He was subsequently arrested. Agents recovered $53 from Wilkerson's pocket after his arrest. He acknowledged that the money was to be used as payment for the sex.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilianys Rivera Miranda.

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.

Wilkerson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for each count. He has been ordered detained pending his sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood has been instrumental in bringing perpetrators to justice and rescuing victims across the country.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/lake-mary-man-convicted-attempting-entice-minors-sex