Baldwin County man charged with sexual exploitation of minor met through Snapchat

ELBERTA, Ala. (WALA) – The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged Julio Perez Jr. following a joint investigation with the Robertsdale Police Department into the sexual exploitation of a minor. In March, deputies responded to assist the Robertsdale Police Department after it was determined that Perez, 19, contacted a 15-year-old victim through the social media platform Snapchat, according to the BCSO. The sheriff’s office said Perez transported the minor from Florida to his residence in Elberta, where both parties admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual acts. Perez has been charged with second-degree rape, second-degree sodomy and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. Additional charges may be forthcoming, officials said. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office said any further information or help in identifying unknown victims would be appreciated. Law enforcement officials urged parents and guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s digital activity. “Social media and messaging platforms can expose minors to individuals who may misrepresent themselves or attempt exploitation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Adults should regularly review their children’s online use, understand which applications they are accessing, and remain aware of who their children are interacting with.” The agency said
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