PANAMA CITY, FL – The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a local man after he was intercepted arriving at the residence of a 14-year-old with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
On January 30, 2022, Kenneth Claude Branum, age 71, of Orlando Ave, Panama City, arranged a meeting with a juvenile by using a social media site. Branum coordinated the place and time to meet with his victim for the purposes of sexual activity. On Jan. 30, at about 12:30 AM, Branum arrived at the victim’s house and engaged in sexual activity.
After this first encounter, the victim’s family found out and contacted the BCSO. Investigators began an investigation into Branum. On Feb.10, 2022, Branum again contacted the victim in hopes of arranging another meeting. The meeting was scheduled.
When Branum showed up at the victim’s home, he was intercepted in the driveway of the home by BCSO investigators and arrested. Branum stated he was at the residence to meet with the victim to engage in sexual activities. Branum was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Traveling to Meet a Minor.