ORLANDO, FL – William Daniel Leonard, a 55-year-old man from Maryland, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity using the internet and his cellphone. In addition to his prison term, Leonard was ordered to forfeit the cellphone used in the commission of the offense.
The conviction came after a two-day trial that concluded on October 12, 2023, where evidence presented by prosecutors showed Leonard engaging in criminal activities aimed at exploiting minors. According to the evidence, Leonard communicated with an undercover agent who posed as the father of a 13-year-old girl, expressing his intentions to meet the child for sexual purposes. Over the course of three weeks, Leonard planned his travel from Maryland to Florida to meet the fictitious girl.
During the planning phase, Leonard was also found to be communicating with two real minors, ages 14 and 16. He even traveled to North Carolina to meet the 14-year-old after obtaining her address from a digital photo she sent him. Leonard was arrested on December 7, 2021, upon his arrival in Florida, where he was found carrying two boxes of condoms intended for his meeting with the notional 13-year-old girl.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando highlighted the importance of the sentencing, stating, “This predator sought to betray the innocence of a child, and his sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable.” He emphasized HSI’s dedication to protecting children and bringing justice to those who threaten their safety and security.
