Port Orange man charged with soliciting 15-year-old for sex on Snapchat.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Terrance Hughes, 32, of Port Orange, was arrested on Thursday, June 30, 2022, following a two-month-long investigation after Hughes attempted to lure a 15-year-old into sexual activity, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Detectives are looking to see if there are any other victims.

According to a release, detectives began the investigation in April after the victim’s mother conducted a routine check of her teenage daughter’s cell phone and discovered Hughes’ sexual messages, along with multiple attempts to meet her in person with the intent to have sex. The victim told detectives she met Hughes on Snapchat and did not know his name or how old he was. During the investigation, an undercover detective assumed the victim’s online identity and texting communications with Hughes.

While texting with Hughes, the detective made several comments revealing the victim's age during discussions with topics referencing sexual activity, wanting to meet, and encouraging the juvenile to send sexually explicit images of herself, all initiated by Hughes.

Detectives were able to identify Hughes after he sent photos of himself to the victim’s phone. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Thursday at his home before he was taken into police custody. 

Hughes was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail and has been charged with soliciting a child/person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct with the use of a two-way communication device. Hughes was later released, after posting a $50,000 bond.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities to ensure their safety. Several resources are available on the VCSO website at: www.volusiasheriff.org/resources/cyber-safety.stml.

Anyone with information about additional victims should contact the VCSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.