Florida Captain Charged With Soliciting a Minor

A Florida fire captain has been placed on administrative leave without pay following his arrest on charges of soliciting a minor. William Scott Johnson, 58, a captain with the Ormond Beach Fire Department, was arrested with agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Johnson was communicating with an FDLE agent posing as a 13-year-old girl through an online chat room. Johnson discussed sexual acts, requested photos of the girl, and sought to meet her in person. He was arrested Wednesday.

Johnson has been charged with two felonies: online solicitation of a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Police are seeking help from anyone who may be aware of other victims of Johnson, who used the online name of Nozzle3499. Victims are asked to call FDLE at 813-758-6249

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Setting Firehouse On Fire

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has brought arson charges against a firefighter for setting a hurricane-damaged firehouse on fire. Jamison Smith, 18, is charged with simple arson for the fire that destroyed the Iowa Volunteer Fire Department’s former main station.

Albany Prevails at Second Circuit in Discrimination Suit

An Albany fire captain who claims he wrongfully was denied a promotion to battalion chief following an off-duty incident, has lost his appeal to the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Captain Jeremy Clawson claims the City of Albany rescinded a civil service promotion he earned in 2019 on account of a disability and his race.