A Marion County man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. Joseph Raymond Morin, aged 51 from Ocala, received his sentence from United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber. Following his prison term of 11 years and 3 months, Morin will be subject to a life term of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024.
Court documents reveal that between May 3 and June 26, 2024, Morin engaged in online communication with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. This individual was actually an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The conversations were sexually explicit, leading to Morin's arrest when he attempted to meet the fictitious minor at a pre-arranged location in Marion County. Morin's criminal history includes a prior federal conviction related to firearms.
“Today’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting children from online predators,” stated David Pezzutti, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at HSI Orlando. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners at all levels, are dedicated to working tirelessly to rescue children.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.