A Hillsborough sex offender faces new charges after Orange County and federal investigators said he violated his probation through internet crimes.

A release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested 23-year-old Lucas Owen Atwater on Friday following a months-long investigation by the federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. Atwater, who was already registered as a sex offender in Orange County, faces 26 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and felony probation violation.

Third-degree exploitation involves possessing materials depicting minors engaged in sexual activity, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The office said it received a tip from task force members of the Internet Crimes Against Children team, which had been building the case against Atwater.

The Hillsborough resident remained at the Orange County Detention Center over the weekend under no bond, according to Monday’s release. Atwater’s first appearance on the sexual exploitation charges is set for Monday at 2 p.m.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office added that Sergeant D. Hendricks is the lead investigator in the case and is continuing to gather information. Anyone who may have further details regarding Atwater’s online activity or actions is asked to call Hendricks at 919-245-2951, said Monday’s release.

 

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

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