Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Patrick R. Ferguson (Arrested)
DOB: 11/29/1997
Address: 5961 67th Avenue North, Pinellas Park 
Charges: One felony count of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device and one felony count of certain uses of computer services or devices prohibited.

The victim is currently a 14-year-old male. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Pinellas Park man for one felony count of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device and one felony count of certain uses of computer services or devices prohibited.

When:
The suspect was arrested at about 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

Where:
The suspect was arrested at his residence located at 5961 67th Avenue North in Pinellas Park. 

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Pinellas Park man for one felony count of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device and one felony count of certain uses of computer services or devices prohibited.

According to detectives, their investigation began in June 2016, after receiving information that the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Patrick Ferguson, had sent a nude image of himself to the victim.

Ferguson had been appointed as a leader within the Boy Scouts at the time the incident had occurred.

Detectives arrested Ferguson and charged him with one felony count of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic device and one felony count of certain uses of computer services or devices prohibited.

Ferguson was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.

Any other victims or anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Meredith Dimundo, of the Crimes Against Children Unit, at 727-582-6200.

Booking photograph of Patrick R. Ferguson.