In response to an online ad posted by an undercover detective, Edmundo Dasilva, a 37-year-old resident of Holly Springs, North Carolina, sent a social media message.
DaSilva expressed his desire to meet, as he had recently celebrated his 18th birthday and was planning to travel to Florida.
When Dasilva arrived at the secret location, law enforcement apprehended him. During the arrest, authorities discovered that he had two condoms in his pocket. When questioned by detectives, Dasilva revealed that he is married and employed as a Transportation Security Officer for Homeland Security.
“He’s a 36-year-old man from North Carolina who is married and works as a TSA screener. Yes, he’s the person you encounter at the airport security line, specifically at Raleigh Durham International Airport,” stated Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a press conference on Tuesday. “The federal government has placed their trust in him to screen passengers. It makes you question their decision when they insist on subjecting children to additional screening, doesn’t it?”
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the suspects engaged in communication and solicitation with individuals whom they believed to be children or adults with access to children through online platforms.
Dasilva faced charges when he was taken into custody and placed in the Polk County Jail. The charges brought against him included:
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- Human trafficking (FL)
- Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
- Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
- Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
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