Jared Menendez, a 25-year-old resident of Fruitland Park, Florida, has been indicted for allegedly attempting to entice a minor into engaging in sexual activity and for the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. If found guilty of the attempted enticement charge, Menendez could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment in federal prison. The charge related to the attempted transfer of obscene material carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years.
The indictment states that between November 14 and December 20, 2024, Menendez tried to persuade an individual he believed was under the age of 18 to participate in sexual activity. Currently, Menendez is detained while awaiting further proceedings.
The legal principle that "an indictment is merely a formal charge" means Menendez is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute the case.
This legal action forms part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local levels to apprehend individuals involved in these crimes and support victims. More information about this initiative can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.