ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A Hastings man is behind bars following an undercover operation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office aimed at identifying individuals who use the internet to sexually exploit minors.
Carlos Alfredo Varela Hernandez, 30, was arrested on September 23 and is currently being held at the St. Johns County jail on a $97,500 bond. He faces nine felony charges stemming from his online interactions with law enforcement personnel posing as a 14-year-old girl.
According to the arrest warrant, the investigation began early in September 2026. Between September 3 and September 14, Varela Hernandez engaged in a sexually explicit text conversation with an undercover detective who was posing as a teenager. Court documents reveal that during these communications, Varela Hernandez allegedly sent five explicit photographs and one explicit video. Investigators noted that he also pressured the undercover officer to keep her age a secret and attempted to arrange a meeting, asking if she could travel to his residence or if he could pick her up.
Detectives were able to positively identify Varela Hernandez through a specific detail in the illicit material provided. During the operation, he sent an explicit photograph that captured a distinct tattoo. Investigators compared this image to records from a prior law enforcement contact, allowing them to confirm the identity of the suspect.
Varela Hernandez is charged with:
- Using a computer to seduce, solicit, or lure a child.
- Using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
- Six counts of transmitting information harmful to minors.
- Attempted promotion of a sexual performance by a child.
In addition to the criminal charges, Varela Hernandez is now the subject of a federal immigration detainer. On the same day he was booked into the county jail, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer against him.
Federal documents indicate that authorities believe Varela Hernandez illegally reentered the United States after a previous removal. DHS stated that, based on biometric confirmation and federal database records, he poses a significant risk to public safety. A federal warrant has been issued for his arrest, which mandates that he be taken into custody for removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act once his local legal matters are resolved.
Booking records identify the defendant as a citizen of Mexico, born in Mexico City. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, as the case against him moves forward in both state and federal jurisdictions.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
