TAMPA, Fla. – A sinister plot to exploit a minor has been thwarted, leading to the indictment of a Tampa man who now faces the possibility of life in federal prison.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe today announced the return of an indictment charging 41-year-old Johan Smith Pavon Mejia with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court records, the alleged scheme unfolded in April 2025 when Mejia engaged in online communications with an undercover detective from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Believing he was interacting with a minor, Mejia allegedly arranged to meet for sexual activity…