Former Youth Group Leader Solicits Teen For Sex, Police Say

Jeffrey William LaChance, 24, of St. Petersburg, admitted to sending a 15-year-old girl text messages soliciting her for sex in return for money and a photo of his private parts, authorities say.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the 15-year-old girl showed the text messages in December to her grandmother, who informed police.

Detective questioned LaChance on Wednesday, March 6, at which time he admitted to the text messages, police say. He also told detectives that at one time he was a youth group leader at a local church and had found the teen through Facebook.

LaChance was arrested on two felony charges with bail set at $15,000 combined for both.

The investigation continues.

Investigators say there may be other victims and are asking anyone with
additional information that may assist in this case to contact Detective Mark
Kolenda of the Crimes Against Children Unit at 727-582-6200.

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