Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Vertis McNeil Robinson, a 47-year-old resident of Monticello, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges of attempted enticement of a minor. The indictment was announced Wednesday, August 27, 2025, by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, as part of a broader national initiative to combat child sexual exploitation.
Court Proceedings Underway
Robinson made his initial appearance for arraignment on August 21, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. The legal process is now moving forward, with a jury trial set for October 20, 2025.
District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle will preside over the trial, which is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. in Tallahassee. These dates mark key milestones in the federal prosecution.
Potential Penalties and Investigation
If convicted of the charge, Robinson faces severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment. The maximum sentence could extend to life imprisonment, underscoring the gravity of the alleged offense.
The investigation leading to Robinson’s indictment was a joint effort. It involved the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer is prosecuting the case.
Legal Protections and Project Safe Childhood
An indictment serves as an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has violated federal criminal law; it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial, where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative. The program is specifically designed to address the increasing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse through aggressive prosecution and prevention efforts.
