A multi-agency investigation ended in handcuffs Friday morning at an Osceola County gas station after a Massachusetts man allegedly traveled across the state to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old child.
Canaan Boddie, 28, of Worcester, was taken into custody on April 17, 2026, following an intensive undercover operation led by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The case began on March 8, when Boddie allegedly reached out to an undercover detective on social media. The detective was working as part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Despite being told the person on the other end was only 14, authorities say Boddie continued the conversation, sent pornographic images, and eventually purchased a bus ticket to travel from Osceola County to Lake City.
Investigation records show that during the digital exchange, Boddie also claimed to have previously traveled to North Carolina to meet a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old for sexual purposes.
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The apprehension was a coordinated effort. While CCSO detectives tracked the communication, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office monitored Boddie’s movements in real-time.
Deputies watched Boddie leave his residence and travel to a pre-arranged meeting spot at a local gas station, where he was swarmed by law enforcement immediately upon arrival.
Following his arrest, Boddie reportedly provided a full confession. He admitted to the prior North Carolina incident, involving multiple sexual encounters with a 15-year-old.
Boddie currently faces several felony charges, including:
- Use of a computer to seduce or lure a child
- Transmission of information harmful to minors
- Transmission of obscene material to a minor
- Traveling to meet a minor
His total bond has been set at $387,000.
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Columbia County detectives are now working alongside law enforcement in North Carolina and St. Petersburg, Florida, to follow up on Boddie’s admissions regarding other victims. Officials noted that further criminal charges are expected as those investigations continue.
“The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children from those who seek to exploit them,” the agency stated in a release, “and we will continue to pursue every lead to ensure all victims receive justice.”
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