DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2024) — The Broward Sheriff’s Office in South Florida arrested a man from Deerfield Beach on Thursday morning for attempting to solicit a minor.

This arrest was the result of close cooperation between the BSO and the Owatonna Police Department (OPD) in Minnesota.

On Friday, Feb. 23, BSO’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators received a tip off from OPD regarding a man from South Florida, known as Thomas W. Dempsey, who was looking to engage in inappropriate behavior with a child. According to detectives from BSO ICAC, during an online chat investigation led by OPD, Dempsey revealed his intentions to an undercover OPD detective.

In the course of the online operation, Dempsey shared his phone number with the undercover OPD detective and requested that it be passed on to a woman whom he thought would facilitate his involvement in illicit activities with a minor. Upon receiving this information, OPD detectives promptly contacted BSO’s ICAC Task Force.

Around 11;30 a.m. On Thursday, an undercover detective from BSO’s ICAC Task Force engaged in conversation with Dempsey.

During their discussion, the 38 year old agreed to compensate the woman $60 for engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 7 year old child. He also mentioned to the undercover ICAC detective that he was generous when it came to tips and offered to cover expenses for a hotel room.
After conducting their inquiries, detectives from BSO ICAC discovered that Dempsey resided in Deerfield Beach and took steps to secure a warrant for his apprehension.

On Thursday, February 29th, the investigators carried out the warrant and detained Dempsey. He was then transferred to BSO Main Jail and is charged with soliciting a minor for sexual activity and misusing a communication device.

The investigation is ongoing.