Photo: 5./15 WEST / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images
Margate, FL - A South Florida man is in custody after being caught in a compromising situation with a 13-year-old girl he reportedly met online.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as a 20-year-old Margate man, was arrested on January 2nd on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor aged 12 to 16 and interfering with the custody of a minor.
According to an arrest report from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the assault occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m. on West Sunrise Boulevard in unincorporated Broward County.
A deputy noticed a vehicle parked outside a closed business and approached to investigate.
Upon reaching the car, the deputy found the suspect and the teenage girl in the backseat.
The two were asked to exit the vehicle, at which point the deputy observed underwear—both panties and boxer shorts—on the seat.
During questioning, the girl told authorities that she had met the suspect through Instagram about a month prior.
Initially, she claimed to be 17 years old, later admitting she told him she was 15, though her actual age was 13.
The girl recounted that the suspect had picked her up at a local park after they planned to meet in person.
The two drove around before parking outside the closed business, where she alleged they kissed and performed sexual acts on each other inside the car.
The man was arrested and transported to jail.
At this time, it is unclear if he has retained legal representation.