One of the scores of suspects detained as part of a statewide investigation into child sexual predators included a prison officer at the Fremont Correctional Center near Caon City.
At a press conference last week, Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, Florida, introduced himself and his new deputy, Justin Sturtevant. “Yes, you are correct in saying that. Now he works as a police officer in jails. What I just stated, did you catch it? In addition, he is engaging in illegal contact by sending explicit photos of himself to a 14-year-old girl he believes he is grooming. We have an undercover operative in the building.”
Sturtevant, 45, was detained on Thursday at his Pueblo West home after “engaging… on a social networking site with an undercover officer who was acting as a 14-year-old girl,” as stated in a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
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Officer Did Such A Shameful Act
On February 6, the “girl” said several times to Sturtevant that “she” was just 14 years old. The Sheriff’s Office claims that Sturtevant initiated a sexually explicit discussion with the detective and sent a sexually explicit image to the girl while knowing that she was a minor.
There are other felony allegations against Sturtevant, including unlawful use of a two-way communication device, sending damaging content to a kid, and using a computer to entice a minor sexually.
According to Judd, Sturtevant has been in trouble with the law before, but all accusations against him were eventually dropped.
The tweet below exemplifies how Sturtevant attempted to place blame for his wrongdoings on his kid:
A CO corrections officer was arrested along with 29 others as part of Polk Co. FL online operation to catch sexual predators.
The officer sent sexual photos to what he thought was a 14 year old girl& then tried to blame his son when arrested. 🙃
Meet Officer Justin Sturtevant. pic.twitter.com/e38kLHFjfz
— dara faye (@darafaye) February 26, 2023
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“He has been arrested before, as we now know. Can you hear me now? What I just stated, did you catch it? Due to his criminal background and current position as an officer in the Colorado State Prison System, “- Judd.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida undertook “Operation Child Protector,” where 30 people, including Sturtevant, were arrested.
He has been arrested and is currently jailed in southern Colorado for extradition to Florida.
“Justin must be enrolled in the program. He should be locked up immediately. Not in Colorado’s penal system, though. The Florida prison system is where it will take place “- Judd.
Sturtevant’s former place of employment, a prison in the Caon City area, refused to comment.
We will keep you informed if we learn anything. Until then, you can still follow us on Twitter for the most recent news.
