Executive Summary
- Brock A. Westrom, 36, was found guilty in federal court of attempted enticement of a minor following an undercover operation.
- Westrom engaged in online communication with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old, discussing sexual acts, payment, and arranging a physical meeting.
- The conviction is a result of collaborative efforts by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI, under the Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Laws and Precedent
- Brock A. Westrom was convicted in federal court of attempted enticement of a minor, a charge prosecuted under federal law, underscoring the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment to combating child sexual exploitation through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood.
A Gulf Breeze man, Brock A. Westrom, 36, was found guilty in federal court on Thursday, November 13, 2025, of attempted enticement of a minor following an undercover operation that exposed his efforts to solicit a purported 15-year-old online for sex. The conviction in Tallahassee, Florida, underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat child sexual exploitation.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation, led by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with federal partners, commenced in July 2024, focusing on individuals soliciting minors online. On July 19, 2024, Westrom engaged in online communication with an undercover officer he believed to be a 15-year-old child.
During these exchanges, Westrom specified desired sexual acts, discussed payment, and arranged a physical meeting. Upon traveling to the agreed-upon location, Westrom was apprehended by law enforcement. A subsequent search warrant yielded electronic evidence that corroborated his online communications and his intent to meet the purported minor.
Prosecutor’s Statement
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida commended the invaluable investigative work performed by law enforcement partners to identify and arrest child predators. Heekin stated his office’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting individuals who seek to exploit and victimize children.
Heekin emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and innocence of the most vulnerable members of the community from such threats.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort
The successful prosecution was a collaborative effort involving the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Eric W. Welch handled the case.
This conviction falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice aimed at locating, apprehending, and prosecuting child exploiters while identifying and rescuing victims.
Looking Ahead
Westrom’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by online child predators and the vigilance of law enforcement in bringing them to justice. The collaborative efforts of federal and local agencies remain crucial in safeguarding children from sexual exploitation.
