Undercover Sting in Polk County Yields Arrest of Bradenton Man Accused of Luring Minor Online

A targeted undercover operation by the Auburndale Police Department resulted in the arrest of a Bradenton man accused of attempting to meet a 14-year-old girl for illegal sexual activity, authorities reported Friday. The sting, conducted by the department’s Criminal Investigation and Special Enforcement Units, culminated in the arrest of 26-year-old Milton Reinierio Pena-Hernandez after he allegedly traveled to Polk County believing he was meeting the minor in person.

Over the course of a weeklong investigation, detectives say Pena-Hernandez communicated with what he thought was a teenage girl, sending explicit messages and images and offering money in exchange for sexual acts. Despite acknowledging the victim’s age and stating he “did not want trouble,” law enforcement officials say he continued to pursue the planned meeting. Pena-Hernandez drove to a designated location on February 10, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Following his arrest, Pena-Hernandez reportedly admitted to investigators that he is a Honduran national residing in the United States unlawfully. Because of his immigration status, prosecutors will pursue enhanced felony charges. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and now faces multiple counts, including transmission of harmful material to a minor, attempted lewd battery, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to lure or entice a child.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified, and federal authorities are reviewing Pena-Hernandez’s legal status. The arrest took place on Feb. 10, coinciding with “Safer Internet Day,” a day that advocates online safety, prompting law enforcement officials to urge parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s online activity and report suspicious behavior.