Georgia Man Charged With Soliciting Hernando County 14-Year-Old Online

Jeffrey Richard Powell, 53, of Peachtree City, Georgia, is free on a $50,000 bond after Hernando County Sheriff's Office detectives charged him with four felonies stemming from a months-long online sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl living in Hernando County.

According to an official probable cause affidavit, Powell faces charges of showing obscene material to a minor, lewd or lascivious conduct in the presence of a person under 16, unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services.

The investigation centered on evidence recovered from the victim's cell phone. Detectives conducted a forensic analysis that revealed screenshots consistent with the victim's account. Investigators stated that images appeared to show an adult male exposing himself during video calls, with characteristics consistent with the suspect. Further analysis indicated that some of those images were likely taken at a residence in Peachtree City, Georgia, matching the address associated with Powell.

During a forensic interview conducted on February 19, 2026, the victim provided additional details, stating the incidents occurred multiple times and describing the nature of the interactions. The victim also indicated awareness that the behavior was inappropriate.

The four charges reflect a pattern prosecutors and investigators in the Fifth Judicial Circuit have increasingly used to address online enticement cases. In a separate, unrelated prosecution concluded in October 2025, Judge Daniel B. Merritt sentenced 43-year-old Christian Fischer to 15 years in state prison after he was convicted of traveling to meet a minor and soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct, a case also involving unlawful use of a two-way communications device charges. Hernando County law enforcement has also conducted multi-day undercover operations targeting adults who solicit minors online, resulting in additional arrests on overlapping charge types.

Powell's arrest date and conditions of bond, including any no-contact or travel restrictions, were not disclosed in charging documents. No court dates or plea information were available as of this report.