Escambia Man Convicted On Federal Child Exploitation Charges

November 19, 2015

A federal jury has convicted an Escambia County man on child exploitation charges.

Robert M. Grafton, Jr., 29, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor for sex and he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography just prior to jury selection in Pensacola.

At trial, the government presented evidence that, in May 2015, Grafton communicated online with an undercover law enforcement officer for the purpose of meeting a 12-year-old special needs child for sexual activity. Grafton was arrested when he arrived at the arranged meeting location in Pensacola. A search of his cellphone and digital media at his residence revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography.

For the attempted enticement of a minor charge, Grafton faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. For the possession of child pornography charge, Grafton faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2016.

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Pensacola Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against  Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News