A Miami man named Lester Tellez, age 45, has been charged with attempting to coerce a 15-year-old girl into sexual acts for money, according to local law enforcement. Tellez allegedly offered the girl $2,000 to spend the night with him while she was babysitting his son. Following his arrest, Tellez posted bond and was released from jail. CBS News Miami reports that Tellez faces charges for lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under age 16, seducing a child into engaging in sexual acts, and promoting sexual performance by a child.
The situation reportedly began when Tellez arrived unannounced at the victim's residence to collect his son, whom she was babysitting. Later, over a phone call, Tellez made his proposition to the girl. Despite her refusal and hanging up on him, Tellez persisted, reiterating his offer via WhatsApp messages. These messages were eventually shown to her sister, who confronted Tellez and advised the victim to block his number, as detailed by CBS News Miami. The girls wasted no time in contacting the police upon witnessing Tellez's inappropriate behavior.
The investigation saw Miami Police detectives engage in a controlled communication operation, wherein Tellez continued to make explicit requests to someone he believed to be the juvenile, as per city law enforcement statements. Concurrently in yet another disturbing twist, NBC Miami uncovered that during this time, Tellez had been visiting his dying grandmother at a hospital and sent a picture of the elderly woman to the girl while soliciting her for sexual activities.
Pretending to be the young girl, undercover detectives continued communications with Tellez. During this exchange, Tellez replied to a text stating, "You know I am only about to turn 16," with "Don't tell me you have not masturbated." When inquired about what Tellez wanted in exchange for the $2,000, he responded with "Let's make love," and proceeded to outline explicit actions he wished to engage in with the girl, as reported by NBC Miami. A local resident who is acquainted with Tellez, and who chose to stay anonymous, indicated that Tellez should be registered as a sex offender, stating, "He should be a sex offender,” and appreciating the swift action of local law enforcement: “He should be registered as a sex offender. That's totally unacceptable. I’m glad they caught him. They caught him pretty fast. You know, within four hours.”
The Miami Police Department is calling for anyone with further information about this case or similar instances to step forward.
