Pinellas County detectives have arrested 38-year-old Patrick Rainey Young after a Crimes Against Children Unit investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a 15-year-old girl. Young was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and is facing multiple felony charges, including soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer or device, harmful communication to a minor and two counts of possession of child pornography. According to the sheriff's office, detectives are still gathering evidence and the investigation remains active.
Investigation details
Detectives say the case opened on January 8 when they received information about an alleged relationship between Young and the teenager. According to Tampa Free Press, the pair first met at Seminole High School during a non-school baseball game, where Young was working the scoreboard for his son's team. Investigators allege Young made sexual comments to the girl and provided her with alcohol and nicotine.
Tampa Free Press also reports that the communication later moved to Instagram. Detectives say Young gave the teen $300 after receiving a nude photo and, on other occasions, allegedly offered food in exchange for additional images.
Charges and booking
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports that Crimes Against Children Unit detectives arrested Young and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail. In its online news release, the agency lists the charges as one count of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer or device, one count of harmful communication to a minor and two counts of possession of child pornography, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Privacy rules and family tie
The sheriff's office states it will not release any information that could identify the 15-year-old victim, citing Florida law that protects minors in such cases. Tampa Free Press notes that Young is an Indian Shores resident and identifies him as the son of the late U.S. Rep. Bill Young. The outlet reports that the sheriff's office declined to provide further details about the alleged evidence or Young's bond status.
Legal next steps
The felony charges against Young will move through the Pinellas County court system, although the sheriff's office did not immediately release a court date or charging documents. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact detectives through the non-emergency line for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
