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.
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