A Cuban resident in Miami has been apprehended for allegedly attempting to engage in a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl. The man, Yosvany Fernández González, aged 37, was caught after sending the minor explicit sexual messages, along with nude photos and videos.
The arrest occurred on Thursday at a Target store located at 3825 NW Seventh St, where Fernández González planned to meet the young girl. This operation was executed by the Miami Police Department's Cyber Crimes Against Children Unit, as part of a covert sting operation.
Investigation Triggered by Mother's Complaint
The investigation kicked off following a report from the girl's mother, who discovered that her daughter had been exchanging explicit text messages with someone who appeared to be an adult male. These exchanges included several explicit images and videos.
In a strategic move, detectives impersonated the girl to establish contact with the Cuban man and arranged a meeting. Upon his arrival at the store, he was apprehended by the police.
Confession and Evidence
During the police interrogation, Fernández González admitted to sending the illicit text messages and videos to the minor. A search of his electronic devices revealed four nude photographs of the young girl.
Local 10 released excerpts from the texts sent by Fernández González to an undercover agent posing as the child. Among the messages were, "I want to see you because I like you, I want to kiss you," and "I can see you at my friends' house, they left me the key, I have to go now, I'll let you know when I arrive, I just want to give you a kiss," as well as, "I only want to give you delicious kisses."
Multiple Charges and Legal Proceedings
The girl informed detectives that the suspect "has attempted to meet her in person on multiple occasions." On Friday, Fernández González appeared in criminal court, where his bail was set at 55,000 euros. Currently, he is held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. If released, he will be subject to house arrest.
He faces eight serious charges, including four counts related to the possession of child sexual abuse material, lewd conduct with a minor, traveling to meet a minor, sending harmful electronic material to minors, solicitation of children, and possession of child pornography.
Police Call for Additional Victims
In a press release, the police urged any other potential victims of Fernández González to come forward and contact their Special Victims Unit at 305-603-6300. "The Miami Police Department remains committed to safeguarding children from all crimes and will work tirelessly to identify and bring perpetrators to justice," stated Michael Vega, spokesperson for the MPD.