On Thursday, August 22, a conviction was handed down to Brandon D Perkins after he pleaded guilty to charges of online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree and luring a minor. Judge Erik Buchér sentenced Perkins to three years of incarceration and following this, he is required to complete three years of post-prison supervision. The Washington County District Attorney's office released a statement acknowledging the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their pivotal role in arresting Perkins. The report also stated that Perkins will be registered as a sex offender.
Perkins was 38 years old during an undercover operation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office on October 17, 2019, when he contacted what he thought was a 15-year-old child. According to the details released from the District Attorney's office, upon arrival at the designated meeting spot, officers arrested Perkins with two cell phones, a stash of condoms, and a significant amount of cash amounting to $3,000. The operation, aimed to apprehend individuals preying on minors, featured deputies who used various social media platforms to interact with potential predators by posing as teenagers.
The defendant, at the time of apprehension, hoped to engage in illegal activities with the minor, as represented by the law enforcement official. The report from the District Attorney's office disclosed Perkins suggesting they smoke marijuana together and made explicit sexual comments about the acts he sought to perform. The conviction brought closure to a case prolongated by the COVID pandemic and the defendant's multiple failures to appear in court.
Deputy District Attorney Bryce Bissinger, who prosecuted the case, stated that Perkins initiated contact with the deputy, who told he was 15 years old; he proceeded to inquire who was home with her and indicated a desire to spend time with her alone. He also had conveyed his intention to bring condoms prior to his arrest. This significant piece of information on the defendant's intentions offers a chilling reminder of the importance of sting operations like the one that led to his arrest. After multiple court delays, Perkins is now facing the consequences of his actions.
