Ocala Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Attempting To Meet A 13-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alexander Thomas Daugherty (24, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Daugherty entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2024.

According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) posed undercover as a 13-year-old girl on an online social media platform. Daugherty contacted the undercover agent’s account and, after learning the child’s age, discussed engaging in sexual activity. Daugherty arranged to meet the minor for sex at a predetermined location in Marion County. Daugherty then traveled to the location and was arrested by law enforcement. After his arrest, Daugherty provided a written statement in which he apologized for the “disgusting intentions” he had with “the underage female.”  

“This sentencing sends a strong message that any attempts to exploit and harm minors will not be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI, alongside our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, are dedicated to protecting our children and ensuring that those who seek to endanger them face severe consequences for their actions.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.