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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA)—A Port Charlotte firefighter/EMT was arrested after having an inappropriate relationship with a female victim under the age of 16.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on August 5 after the mother of the victim found text messages between the man and the juvenile that were sexual in nature and included nude photos of the victim.
The suspect, Adam Franz, 39, was a friend of the victim’s family, CCSO said.
Over the last two years, Franz engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with the victim multiple times, including when the girl was left in his care during a vacation.
During an investigation, detectives found out that Franz sent the victim messages telling her to delete other messages in case anyone checked her phone.
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“I have been very clear about this before, but I am happy to say it again; If you do something that hurts an innocent child in my county, you will face the consequences. I don’t care who you are, we will find you and you will be arrested. There is zero sympathy for people who prey on children, period,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said.
According to deputies, the device showed that some messages were deleted.
Detectives made contact with Franz, but he requested to speak with an attorney.
According to NBC affiliate WBBH, Charlotte County officials confirmed that Frans is a firefighter/EMT for Charlotte County Fire and EMS.
Franz was arrested on multiple lewd and lascivious charges involving a female victim under the age of 16.
He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and held on $300,000 bond.
