Authorities say a former camp director at Shalom Orlando was arrested after he allegedly tried to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl for sex. Terrance Perkins, 39, was taken into custody near a condominium complex on Curry Ford Road, then booked into the Orange County jail. Shalom Orlando says it has fired Perkins and barred him from its campus while the criminal case moves forward.
Undercover Sting And Online Messages
An arrest affidavit provided to the media outlines a week-long undercover operation. A Homeland Security Investigations special agent, posing as a 14-year-old on the dating app Boo, began messaging a user identified as "Terrance" on March 27.
According to the affidavit, Perkins acknowledged the supposed teen's age and continued chatting anyway. At one point, he allegedly wrote, "I was doing the same stuff when I was 14 lol." Investigators say he initially backed out of a planned meetup, then circled back and agreed to meet again in early April. Those details, including the quoted messages, were summarized by WESH.
Arrest, Evidence And Charges
Police say officers moved in when Perkins arrived at the predetermined location. A search of his vehicle turned up three large cans of alcoholic beverages, which investigators seized as evidence.
Jail records list him as Terrance Tyler Perkins, 39, of Maitland. The documents show he was booked on April 9, 2026, on counts that include attempted lewd or lascivious battery, solicitation of a minor via computer, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and other related charges. Those entries and charge listings appear in the Orange County jail booking report.
Shalom Orlando’s Response To Families
In a letter to parents shared with WESH, Shalom Orlando said Perkins’ employment was terminated effective immediately and that he is no longer allowed on campus.
The organization told families that the Florida Department of Children and Families has indicated at this time there is no reason to believe any of the alleged behavior involved our campers, our campus, or our programs, and said Camp J is still scheduled to open on June 8.
Shalom Orlando also points parents to its existing campus safety measures. The group highlights staff background screenings and two-adult supervision practices as part of its security protocols while it cooperates with investigators. Those policies are outlined on Shalom Orlando.
What The Florida Charges Cover
The allegations against Perkins are tied to Florida’s laws on computer solicitation and lewd conduct involving minors.
Using a computer or similar device to seduce, solicit, or lure someone believed to be a child is generally treated as a third-degree felony, while traveling to meet a minor after online contact is typically a second-degree felony under state law. Lewd or lascivious battery involving someone younger than 16 is also usually classified as a second-degree felony. Those offense levels are set out in the Florida Statutes, including the provisions on computer pornography and child exploitation at Fla. Stat. §847.0135 and the lewdness laws at Fla. Stat. §800.04.
What Happens Next And How To Report Concerns
Perkins’ case will proceed through the local court system, where police and prosecutors will decide how to formally file and pursue the charges.
Anyone with information connected to the investigation is urged to contact law enforcement. The Orlando Police Department’s non-emergency line is 321-235-5300. Local safety contacts are listed through Orange County safety resources, and Shalom Orlando says it will help connect families with campus support and other resources as needed.
