On Aug. 20, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to allegations of a 20-year-old woman transmitting nude photographs of herself via text message to a minor.
The suspect was identified as Ashlee Graham, and detectives were able to gather forensic digital evidence to support these allegations.
The evidence revealed Graham had sent three nude photos to the victim and also requested the victim to send nude photos of themselves. Detective Tiffany Barry with the CCSO Internet Crimes Against Children Unit was assigned the case and began working both the digital and forensic sides of the investigation.
During a Child Protection Team interview, the victim disclosed to Detective Barry that nude photographs were exchanged and also described incidents where Graham had touched the victim in an inappropriate manner while telling the victim to keep it a secret or she would go jail.
On Sept16, Detective Barry conducted an interview with Graham. During this interview, Graham made admissions to several of the allegations.
Graham was placed under arrest for two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, three counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor, and one count of solicitation of a minor. Her bond was set at $28,000 per the bond schedule.
“This case sheds light on how easily predators can use technology to target children, even right here in our community,” said Sheriff Prendergast.
“The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring that the detectives within our Internet Crimes Against Children Unit are highly trained and equipped to conduct these technology-driven investigations, identify and locate predators, and bring justice to their victims.”