WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – An Indiana man is charged with solicitation of a sex act for having an online sexual relationship with a 12-year-old in Walton County, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

Spencer Tomlinson of LaFayette, Indiana, was charged with soliciting a minor to engage in sexually illicit conduct online and using a biometric communications device to facilitate a crime.

According to law enforcement, the 12-year-old’s guardian reported emails found on the child’s phone to WCSO in April 2024.

“We applaud the diligence of the guardian who took it upon himself to check the victim’s phone and other devices,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We encourage parents to talk to their children about the dangers of online relationships and interacting with unknown people on the Internet.”

The case was referred to the Criminal Investigation Department. In May, a search warrant was issued and forwarded to Google, where emails containing conversations and images between the victim and Tomlinson were found.

WCSO says Tomlinson knowingly had a sexual relationship with the 12-year-old.

On August 15, Tomlinson was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Tomlinson was then extradited to Walton County on August 25. He faces charges of online solicitation of sexual conduct by a minor and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a crime.

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