TAMPA, Fla. – A sinister plot to exploit a minor has been thwarted, leading to the indictment of a Tampa man who now faces the possibility of life in federal prison.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe today announced the return of an indictment charging 41-year-old Johan Smith Pavon Mejia with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court records, the alleged scheme unfolded in April 2025 when Mejia engaged in online communications with an undercover detective from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Believing he was interacting with a minor, Mejia allegedly arranged to meet for sexual activity.
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The indictment details that Mejia traveled to the agreed-upon location, arriving with items specifically requested by the undercover detective, including candy, iced tea, and cash intended as payment for the illicit acts.
The case, investigated by the FBI Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
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