Cocoa Beach man arrested in Deltona for Child Exploitation.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a swift operation on Saturday night, Volusia County Sheriff's deputies, detectives, and staff successfully intercepted and apprehended a 29-year-old man from Cocoa Beach who had traveled to Deltona to engage in sexual activities with a 12-year-old girl.

Utilizing the contact information and social media profiles associated with the name "Brandon Smith," analysts at the Volusia County Crime Center identified the suspect as Brandon Keith Donato, a 29-year-old resident of Cocoa Beach.

The investigation began on Friday evening when the victim's family discovered videos on the girl's phone depicting her engaging in sexual acts with an unidentified male. During subsequent interviews with detectives, the girl revealed that she had connected with a 17-year-old named Brandon Smith on the Wink mobile app and had continued their communication on Instagram.

The Wink mobile app, often likened to "Tinder for teens," is designed as a social networking and friendship platform for users aged 13 and above. The app's website explicitly states that it is not intended for dating, emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe space for making friends.

Moreover, the investigators discovered that Donato's vehicle had been captured by license plate readers in Volusia County during the early morning hours of Monday and Wednesday, corresponding to the dates when the victim claimed to have met him.

Upon further examination of the 12-year-old girl's phone, law enforcement uncovered a series of sexually explicit messages and descriptions of their encounters, indicating Donato's ongoing interest in meeting with her again. Taking control of the conversation, an undercover detective arranged a meeting with Donato in Deltona on Saturday. With multiple deputies and detectives strategically positioned in the area, the authorities promptly apprehended the suspect upon his arrival.

Donato now faces a range of charges, including two counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a child, showing obscene material to a minor, promoting the sexual performance of a child, using a computer to solicit a child, traveling to meet after using a computer to solicit a child, and unlawful use of a 2-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He is in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail, held on a bond of $350,000.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children's mobile device usage and app activities.

"Today, thanks to the quick work of everyone involved in this case, there's one less predator out there, exploiting the same apps our kids use. Unfortunately, there are many more waiting for their opportunity. Everyone should take the time and make the effort to protect our kids from predators who want to steal their childhood," said Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

A list of the most popular social media and networking apps used by kids are available at: https://protectyoungeyes.com/apps/, and several safety guides are available at volusiasheriff.gov/resources, including sexual abuse prevention curricula intended to prevent molestation, sexual assault, online luring, harassment, sexting, bullying/cyberbullying, identity theft, self-harm, and more.