Indiana Woman Accused Of Seducing Lakeland Child Online: Police

LAKELAND, FL — An Indiana woman has been accused of sending sexual photos to an 11-year-old Polk County boy, Lakeland police said.

Tabitha Palmer, 35, met the boy online while playing video games, investigators said. Palmer sent vulgar messages and inappropriate photos to the victim, and she suggested the minor do the same, authorities said. The boy's mother said she found these messages and photos on his electronic device and turned them over to detectives.

Palmer and the victims exchanged 14,300 messages during a month through the Discord platform, investigators said. Two Lakeland detectives went to Columbia City, Indiana, on Aug. 2 and served a warrant to Palmer with the assistance of Columbia City police. She confessed to sending images of herself, authorities said.

Palmer faces charges of distribution of harmful material to a minor; computer pornography, prohibited usage to seduce, solicit, lure or entice; and unlawful use of a two-way communication.

Palmer was arrested Aug. 5. She admitted to sending naked images to at least three other minors, who are all believed to reside outside Florida, according to authorities.

Palmer is currently being held in Columbia City, Indiana, and is awaiting extradition to Polk County.