MIAMI, Florida – A 40-year-old Chinese national who lives in Naples faces a federal charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor after investigators say he drove to a Davie-area meeting to have sex with a girl he believed was 15.
According to court records, 40-year-old Dexing Zhang communicated by phone and a messaging application with a person he believed was the girl’s mother. The two discussed arranging a sexual encounter with the girl in Davie, the records state.
Prosecutors say Zhang offered to pay $300 for a sex act with the purported minor. His arrest came at a hotel after he drove from Naples to meet the girl for the planned encounter.
Penalties if convicted
Zhang is charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor. If a jury convicts him, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life.
A charge is an accusation. Zhang is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the case in court.
Agencies involved
Acting U.S. Attorney Yara Lorenzo Klukas of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office announced the charge. FBI Miami is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi Anton is prosecuting the case.
How to report suspected trafficking
Anyone who suspects human trafficking, or who needs resources for victims, can call 1-888-373-7888, text “BeFree” (233733) or use the live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The lines run 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole and more than 200 other languages.
The National Hotline does not belong to law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Conversations are confidential, and callers can report a tip anonymously.
To report online child sexual exploitation, visit report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children runs the Cyber Tip Line in partnership with HSI and other law enforcement agencies.