Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Additional felony charges have been filed against 27-year-old Live Oak resident Herminio Monte Perez following his arrest in December for attempting to meet a minor for sex in Lake City.
As was reported in the Dec. 23, 2024, issue of Riverbend News, Perez allegedly traveled to Lake City on Dec. 7 in an attempt to meet a 14-year-old male for sex after sending obscene messages and photos to the boy. However, the boy was actually an investigator with the Lake City Police Department (LCPD). Perez was arrested and charged with one count of obscene communication with a minor, one count of traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and three counts of cruelty toward a child using an electronic device.
Since then, the LCPD has continued to investigate Perez and attempt to locate other possible victims. As a result of the continued investigation, the LCPD announced on Thursday, Feb. 6, that an additional 72 felony charges were filed against Perez related to transmitting information harmful to minors, using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, as well as 26 counts of possession of child sexual conduct.
According to a report from LCPD, the additional charges were filed after a search warrant was executed on Perez’s Snapchat account. After investigators were provided access to his Snapchat, it was discovered that Perez had been communicating with underage boys, where he and the victims were trading nude photographs and videos. In one instance, Perez allegedly solicited one of the minors, offering to pay for nude photos and videos of the minor.
In another incident, Perez communicated with another Snapchat user describing sexual abuse that he allegedly committed, and asked if the user knew of any “lil ones” that lived in Florida.
Perez’s bond has been set at $1,030,000 for all charges, and he has remained at the Columbia County Jail since his arrest.
“Protecting our children is one of our highest priorities. Every arrest of a child sex offender is a step toward ensuring the safety of our communities,” LCPD Chief Gerald Butler said. “We will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly and bring them to justice.” 