Florida Man Used Kik Messaging App to Chat with Undercover Albemarle Detective

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Florida man, who used the instant messaging application Kik to chat with an undercover Albemarle County detective he thought was a 14-year-old girl, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.

William George Price, 65, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, on February 22, 2021, an undercover detective from the Albemarle County Police Department portrayed himself as a 14-year-old girl named “Ashley” on Kik, an instant messaging application. While on Kik, Price, who called himself “Bill Prince,” told “Ashley” that he was 63-years-old and living in Florida. “Ashley” told Price that she lived in Virginia and was “almost 15.”

The conversation became sexual when Price asked “Ashley” if she liked older men, if she was a virgin, and if she would do a “threesome.” Price then asked if she wanted a picture of him. When “Ashley” responded in the affirmative, Price sent a picture of his penis as well as three videos of himself masturbating.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations’ Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.

Any individuals that may have additional information about this case, please contact Detective Mike Wells of the Albemarle County Police, who also serves as a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer.

The Albemarle County Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald M. Huber and Jordan E. McKay are prosecuting the case.