DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a Florida man caught in an underage sex sting told deputies he only came to the meeting place because he thought it would be cool to see an undercover sting in action.
A Volusia County Sheriff's Office release says 34-year-old James Bowen is one of seven men who experienced firsthand how "cool" the agency's operation to catch internet predators was last week.
Despite his claims of innocence, officials say Bowen faces charges for showing up at a Deltona gas station following sexually charged chats and texts with an undercover detective he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
The operation ran from Wednesday to Sunday, with suspects ranging in age from 22-49.
Bowen was held on $40,000 bail. Jail records didn't list an attorney.
7 arrested by @VolusiaSheriff in undercover child predator operation. Details coming to https://t.co/a66cVOTDVN. pic.twitter.com/V8rjJpyAWA
— News Daytona Beach (@NewsDaytonaBch) October 15, 2018
Others arrested in the sting included:
Ryan Kirk, 31 (DOB 4/7/1987), Eslinger Road, New Smyrna Beach
Employment: N/A
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
George G. Wallace, 43 (DOB 3/6/1975), Green Acres Circle, South Daytona
Employment: Comfort Keepers (Nursing)
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
Jorge A. Cruz, 49 (DOB 12/18/1968), Homestead Avenue, DeBary
Employment: Mechanic
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
Jonathan Harden, 25 (DOB 9/8/1993), Cains Wren Trail, Sanford
Employment: Orlando Health
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
Ronald J. Foley, 28 (DOB 9/20/1990), Twin Coach Court, Daytona Beach
Employment: Self-employed pressure washer
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
James Wayne Bowen, 34 (DOB 8/6/1984), NW 21st Street, Gainesville
Employment: Co-owner, Bob’s Barber Shop
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
Jonathan William Hayes, 22 (DOB 8/10/1996), Jefferis Court, Eustis
Employment: Florida Elks Youth Camp maintenance; former counselor
Use Computer to Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(3)(A)
Travel to Seduce Seduce/Solicit/Lure Child 847.0135(4)(A)
Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery 800.04(4)(A)
Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony 934.215
