Georgia Deputy Police Chief Arrested For Solicitation Of A Prostitute In Central Florida
According to a report from ClickOrlando, Jason DiPrima—a deputy police chief from Georgia—bas been arrested and charged with solicitation of a prostitute in Central Florida. The incident occurred in Polk County. Mr. DiPrima was in the Orlando area to attend the American Polygraph Association. Here, our Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer explains what we know about this case and provides a more comprehensive overview of solicitation charges in general.
Officer Responded to Online Advertisement, Caught in Sting Operation
Mr. DiPrima is a deputy police chief for the Cartersville Police Department in North Georgia. On August 31st—while in Orlando to attend the American Polygraph Association—he reportedly responded to internet advertisement for a prostitute. He began a conversation and agreed to meet the other party and exchange $120 for “full service” sex. However, Mr. DiPrima was not aware that he was talking to an undercover police officer. He was eventually arrested, booked into jail in Polk County, and released on a $500 bond. The deputy police chief is facing a solicitation charge.
An Overview of Solicitation Charges in Florida
It is a crime to solicit a prostitute in Florida. Under state law, it is a crime to hire any person who is engaged in the act of prostitution. To be clear, a person does not actually have to engage in a sexual act with a prostitute to be arrested for and charged with solicitation in Florida. The attempt to hire a prostitute is sufficient to sustain a solicitation charge. The criminal penalties associated with solicitation of a prostitute in Florida depend on a several different factors, including prior offenses or lack thereof:
- First-Time Solicitation of a Prostitute: A first-time solicitation of a prostitute is a first-degree misdemanor offense in Florida. It is a serious crime that is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Second-Time Solicitation of a Prostitute: A second-time solicitation of a prostitute charge is upgraded to a more serious third degree felony offense. Notably, It carries steep criminal penalties. There is a maximum five year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. There is also a mandatory minimum of ten days in jail.
- Third-Time (or More) Solicitation of a Prostitute: With a third time solicitation charge or any subsequent solicitation charge, a defendant will face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Prosecutors often seek significant jail time in third-time solicitation of a prostitute cases in Central Florida.
Call Our Orlando, FL Solicitation Defense Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer has the professional skills and legal knowledge to defend both solicitation and prostitution charges. Give us a phone call today or connect with us online to arrange your completely confidential, no obligation initial appointment. With a law office in Orlando, we defend solicitation charges throughout Central Florida, including in Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, Apopka, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Sanford.
Source:
clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/09/06/georgia-deputy-police-chief-arrested-for-soliciting-a-prostitute-in-polk-county-deputies-say/
