Port Orange man arrested after soliciting 15-year-old girl for sex on Snapchat

(Image credit: Snapchat)

A 32-year-old man from Port Orange has been arrested on charges of attempting to lure a child into sexual activity; and detectives with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office want to know if he has tried to solicit any other victims.  Terrance Hughes was arrested Thursday following a two-month investigation.

Volusia sheriff’s detectives began the investigation in April after the victim’s mother conducted a routine check of her teenage daughter’s cell phone and discovered Hughes’ sexual messages to her daughter, along with multiple attempts to meet her in person with the intent to have sex.

The victim told detectives she met Hughes on Snapchat and did not know his name or how old he was. During the investigation, an undercover detective assumed the victim’s online identity and texting communications with Hughes. During the text conversation, the detective and Hughes discussed sexual activity – initiated by Hughes – and their age differences. The detective made several comments revealing the age of the victim, 15 years old.

Hughes also made several comments about wanting to meet, while encouraging the juvenile to send sexually explicit images of herself. He was identified after he sent two photos of himself to the victim’s phone. Based on the investigation, a warrant for Hughes’ arrest was issued.

On Thursday morning, he was arrested at his home and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. Hughes is charged with soliciting a child/person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct and use of a two-way communication device. He was released after posting $50,000 bond.

Anyone who has information about any additional victims is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office’s Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office maintains resources for parents on how to keep children safe online, which can be found on their website. 

(Source and Terrance Hughes mugshot: Volusia Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter