A Gulf Breeze man was found guilty of a federal count of enticement of a minor after traveling to Bay County to try and “sexually exploit” the child, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Nov. 13.
U.S. Attorney John Heekin announced that 36-year-old Brock Westrom was convicted of attempting to entice a minor when he told who he thought was a 15-year-old he would pay to perform sexual acts.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the invaluable investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and arrest the predators who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children, like this defendant,” Heekin said. “My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these sick individuals to the fullest extent, and we will not rest until we can all be assured that the most vulnerable members of our communities are safe from these types of threats to their safety and innocence.”
In July 2024, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office was conducting an undercover operation where investigators would pose as underage children to try and catch adults trying to solicit minors for sex.
“On July 19, 2024, the defendant began talking with someone he believed was a fifteen-year-old child,” a release said. “He told the purported child the sexual acts he wanted the child to perform, the price he was willing to pay for those sexual acts, and he arranged a meeting location.”
When Westrom arrived, he was met by law enforcement and arrested. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 9, 2026.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Gulf Breeze man convicted of trying to meet child for sex in Bay County
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
