Man arrested after scheduling meetup with minor for sex – Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
CCSO
A 35-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly meeting up with a minor to engage in sexual activity.
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, deputies received a tip from an Uber driver with concerns regarding a passenger he had just dropped off at Microtel Inn and Suites located at 4056 Tamiami Tr. in Port Charlotte. The driver reported that his passenger was a juvenile that exited his vehicle and got into a white Cadillac with a single black male occupant. Units were dispatched to the location, finding the man, identified as Kenneth Devon Fordham (10/25/1987) and the minor in question as they exited the vehicle.
As deputies intervened, the pair were separated for questioning. Fordham refused to speak to the deputies and invoked his Miranda rights. At this time, he was placed under arrest.
The juvenile was transported to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, where a forensic interview took place. During this interview, the juvenile revealed that she had met Fordham on Facebook in January and that he was aware of her age. Despite this, he coordinated meeting the girl at motels on at least two other occasions, where they allegedly smoked marijuana and engaged in sexual activity. These claims were supported by messages found on the victim’s cellphone.
“This is a great example of someone who recognized something wasn’t right and made the choice to report it. Without that Uber driver’s intuition and action, who knows how long this would have gone on. I will be reaching out to personally recognize him for that.”
SHERIFF BILL PRUMMELL
Kenneth Fordham is charged with two counts each of:
- Lewd and lascivious battery, victim 12-16 years old
- Using a computer to seduce/lure a child
- Traveling to meet a minor after using computer to lure child
He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail with a total bond amount of $1.7 million.