Pensacola Man Convicted of Child Exploitation Crimes

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Late yesterday, a federal jury convicted Pensacola resident Robert M. Grafton Jr., 29, of attempted enticement of a minor for sex.  Additionally, Grafton pled guilty to possession of child pornography just prior to jury selection.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

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 cellular telephone 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.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, amy.alexander@usdoj.gov