A Lady Lake man was arrested Feb. 26 after Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives say he traveled to meet who he believed was a 13-year-old girl following online and phone communications.
Leon Gasden Smith, 42, was taken into custody in the 3800 block of West Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala after arriving at a predetermined meeting location established by undercover investigators.
According to an arrest affidavit, an MCSO undercover investigator posed as a 13-year-old female on a dating application. Detectives state Smith was informed of the girl’s age multiple times during text messages and recorded phone calls and continued communicating with her. Investigators allege the conversations became sexually explicit and that Smith arranged to meet her later that evening.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Unit observed a red Jeep arrive at the designated location and conducted a felony stop. Smith was the sole occupant of the vehicle, according to the report.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 204.5 grams of marijuana and 0.5 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators also recovered electronic devices, including a tablet that detectives say was used to communicate with the undercover investigator.
Smith was transported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit, where he was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with detectives, according to the affidavit. Detectives state he acknowledged communicating with the undercover investigator.
Smith was charged with traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to lure a child, use of a computer to seduce or solicit a child, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. All charges are felonies.
The affidavit notes Smith is currently on bond in Lake County for separate drug and driving-related offenses. Detectives requested that he be held without bond in the Marion County case.
