Sarasota man arrested; Used Snapchat to meet 15-year-old victim from Venice

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

SPD

The Sarasota Police Department arrested Carson Smith, 23, of Sarasota, on May 20. Smith faces a felony charge of lewd and lascivious battery of a victim under the age of 16.

The victim, a 15-year-old girl, said she first met Smith on Snapchat in March. She told him her age, and Smith said he was 18 years old. After communicating on Snapchat, Smith picked up the victim on four different occasions at a gas station in Venice.

The victim told investigators Smith would pick her up and take her to his downtown Sarasota apartment. Smith offered the victim alcohol and she declined.

During their interactions Smith repeatedly told the victim “I don’t want to get in trouble with any parents or the law.”

In April, Smith picked up the victim for the last time. Smith brought her back to his apartment where he had sexual intercourse with her.

Smith was released on bond from the Sarasota County Jail on Friday, May 22.

This is an ongoing investigation, and detectives believe there may be additional victims. If you or someone you know may have any information regarding this case, you’re asked to call Sarasota Police Department Detective Angela Cox at Angela.Cox@SarasotaFL.gov or call 941-263-6075. You can also remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).