ORLANDO, FLORIDA – In a disturbing case of online child exploitation, a Winter Haven man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for raping a 15-year-old girl he met online.
Billing Harold McDuffie Jr., 37, of Winter Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger on [date] for enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, possession of device making equipment, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, McDuffie met the 15-year-old victim online and began engaging in sexually explicit conversations with her via cellphone and social media. Over the course of five months, McDuffie repeatedly engaged in sexual contact with the child victim, despite knowing she was a minor.
The abuse was brought to light when an online tipster notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation of McDuffie’s actions. On July 21, 2022, a search warrant was executed at McDuffie’s residence, where agents found the victim and arrested McDuffie.
During the search, agents also discovered evidence of fraud committed by McDuffie, including blank check paper, packets of stolen identities, multiple fraudulent debit and credit cards, fraudulent driver licenses, card encoders, and printers. McDuffie entered a guilty plea on February 15, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This case is another example of the growing problem of online child exploitation, and the efforts of law enforcement to combat it. The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, launched in May 2006, aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
McDuffie is also required to forfeit a cellphone, two black card encoders, and two desktop computers, which he used to commit the offenses in this case.
This case highlights the importance of being aware of online predators and taking steps to protect children from exploitation. Parents and guardians should be vigilant in monitoring their child’s online activities and reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities.
The DOJ commends the efforts of the FBI and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in bringing McDuffie to justice and protecting the child victim.
Related Federal Cases
- Michigan Man Charged with Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old in Sick Online Grooming Sting · Michigan
- 40 Years for Online Predator · Florida
- Uncle Accused of Brutal Murder of 3-Year-Old Nephew · Florida
- Pensacola Man Gets 15 Years for Targeting Child Online · Florida
- 77-Year-Old Dyer Indicted in Child Porn, Enticement Case · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes