EUSTIS – A Grand Island man was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly attempting to meet with who he believed was a minor for sex.
Instead of meeting with a minor, 55-year-old Terry Benedict was confronted by officers from the Eustis Police Department according to the report.
Benedict’s arrest was a result of an undercover investigation that began on March 21 by Eustis Police.
During the investigation, an undercover officer posed as a 15-year-old girl on a social media website.
Benedict responded to a post made by the undercover officer and continued to communicate via social media and text.
During the communication, Benedict reportedly sent photos of himself as well as text messages containing sexual content.
The undercover officer stated that during the communication, she told Benedict she was 15 years old and he continued to acknowledge being okay with that.”
Benedict agreed to meet on March 31st. When Benedict arrived at the location, he was confronted by Eustis Police officers instead.
Benedict was arrested and charged with traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act and attempted lewd and lascivious battery.
He was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was later released after posting a $15,000 bond.
During his arrest, officers found multiple “sex devices” in Benedict’s possession.
He is scheduled to appear before a judge on April 24th at 8:30 am.
