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United States of America v. Michael Ray Pennington
Date: 08-06-2026
Case Number: 5:26-cr-00006
Judge: Mark E. Walker
Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Leon County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: Emma Schwan and Meredith L. Steer
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best Tallahassee Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Tallahassee, Florida, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
Reported by Kent Morlan
In November 2025, federal and local law enforcement conducted an undercover operation to identify and apprehend offenders who use the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover law enforcement officer posted a fictitious advertisement on a website commonly used for prostitution. Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, responded to the ad and was informed by the undercover agent that he was speaking to a 15-year-old child. The defendant then expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. Upon arrival at an arranged meeting location, the defendant was arrested. A search of the defendant’s phone confirmed that he was the person communicating with the undercover agent through both text messaging and phone calls.
Reported by Kent Morlan
In November 2025, federal and local law enforcement conducted an undercover operation to identify and apprehend offenders who use the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover law enforcement officer posted a fictitious advertisement on a website commonly used for prostitution. Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, responded to the ad and was informed by the undercover agent that he was speaking to a 15-year-old child. The defendant then expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. Upon arrival at an arranged meeting location, the defendant was arrested. A search of the defendant’s phone confirmed that he was the person communicating with the undercover agent through both text messaging and phone calls.
Outcome:
The Defendant was found guilty by a jury.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Michael Ray Pennington?
The outcome was: The Defendant was found guilty by a jury.
Which court heard United States of America v. Michael Ray Pennington?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Leon County), FL. The presiding judge was Mark E. Walker.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Michael Ray Pennington?
Plaintiff's attorney: Emma Schwan and Meredith L. Steer. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Tallahassee Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Michael Ray Pennington decided?
This case was decided on August 6, 2026.