St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrest man suspected of multiple of child exploitation

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children detectives have arrested a 56-year-old suspect on multiple charges related to child exploitation.

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The suspect, identified as Michael Christopher Patchen, contacted an undercover detective online believing he was communicating with a child. The suspect initiated sexually explicit conversations with the child persona and requested to meet for sex.

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When Patchen arrived at the meeting location, he was taken into custody by detectives.

Patchen was charged with: Attempted lewd/lascivious battery; Traveling to meet a minor for sex; Solicitation of a minor for sex; and Unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

SJSO Detectives would like to remind parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities, set boundaries, and have conversations about the danger that exists online.

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Please visit the INTERCEPT Task Force website at https://operationlightshine.org/ for information on reporting child exploitation and human trafficking, and resources to help protect children.

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