A 62-year-old Georgia man, identified as Troy Lyn Everett of Smyrna, is facing charges for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for sex. According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Everett was arrested following an undercover sting where he reportedly believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl.
The investigation, which unfolded between August 22 and October 25, involved an undercover detective from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office who interacted with Everett via an online messaging application. During their conversations, after learning of the "child's" age, Everett allegedly requested sexually explicit photos and arranged to meet for sex. Records show that he purchased a bus ticket from Atlanta to Jacksonville, under the illusion that he would encounter the child there. Yet, upon his arrival at the bus station, authorities took Everett into custody.
Everett's indictment includes charges of attempted production of child sex abuse material and attempted online enticement of a minor. The press release indicates that if convicted of these federal offenses, he could face a sentence ranging from a minimum of 25 years to life in prison. It's important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The agencies involved in this investigation are Homeland Security Investigations, Nassau County Sheriff's Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, with Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro leading the prosecution effort. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice dedicated to addressing the increasing problem of child sexual exploitation and, abuse.
