HomeCops and Crime

Son Of Former U.S. Congressman Arrested In Florida Underage Exploitation Case

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 38-year-old Patrick Rainey Young following an investigation into inappropriate conduct with a 15-year-old girl.

Young, the son of the late U.S. Congressman Bill Young, was taken into custody on several felony charges related to the solicitation and exploitation of a minor.

The investigation began on January 8, 2026, after detectives received information regarding a relationship between Young and the teenager.

According to investigators, the two originally met at Seminole High School during a non-school-related baseball game where Young was working the scoreboard for his son’s team. During this initial encounter, detectives say Young made sexual comments regarding the victim’s body and provided her with both alcohol and nicotine.

READ: Tampa Man Cuffed After Digital Dragnet Uncovers 100+ Counts Of Child Exploitation

As the relationship continued, the pair communicated through Instagram and met at subsequent baseball games. Detectives learned the two discussed sexual favors and the exchange of nude photographs for money.

Through various investigative techniques, authorities confirmed that Young provided the victim with $300 after receiving a nude photo. On other occasions, investigators say the victim received food in exchange for explicit images.

Young, an Indian Shores resident, was transported to the Pinellas County Jail and faces the following charges:

  • One count of Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct Using a Computer or Device
  • One count of Harmful Communication to a Minor
  • Two counts of Possession of Child Pornography

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Per Florida Statute, no further details will be released that would tend to identify the 15-year-old victim.

Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.

Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox