Hernando County, Florida – A Hernando County jury found Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, guilty Wednesday on multiple sex crime charges involving two children, triggering a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
According to the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Johnson was convicted of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under 16, two counts of lewd or lascivious exhibition, and transmission of harmful material to a minor by electronic device.
Prosecutors said the investigation began in July 2025 when deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Brooksville regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. Authorities reported that two juvenile victims disclosed inappropriate touching. Investigators also recovered sexually explicit messages allegedly exchanged through Discord, along with images and other digital communications.
According to officials, one victim told investigators Johnson allegedly encouraged the use of another messaging app and urged deletion of conversations. Authorities said incidents occurred at multiple locations, sometimes in the presence of another child.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kasey Whitson and Rob Lewis.
Johnson faces life in prison when sentenced at a later date.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about online communication platforms and child safety, particularly among students and young internet users.
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