Man Arrested in Baldwin County on Charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Following Multi-Agency Investigation

Elberta, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A Baldwin County man has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges following a joint investigation into the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators identified the suspect as Julio Perez Jr., who was taken into custody after authorities determined he had allegedly contacted a 15-year-old victim through the social media platform Snapchat.

According to officials, the case began in March 2026 when Baldwin County deputies were called to assist the Robertsdale Police Department. The investigation revealed that Perez, an adult male, had communicated with the minor online before transporting the victim from Florida to his residence in Elberta, Alabama.

Authorities say both Perez and the minor admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual acts at the residence.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, investigators conducted a formal interview with Perez. Following the interview, he was charged with Rape in the Second Degree, Sodomy in the Second Degree, and Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act. Officials noted that additional charges could be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the possibility of other victims and are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the case.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that cases like this highlight the dangers associated with online communication, particularly for minors. Officials warned that social media and messaging platforms can be used by individuals who misrepresent themselves or attempt to exploit children.

Authorities are encouraging parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s digital lives by monitoring online activity, understanding which platforms are being used, and maintaining open communication about potential risks. They also stress the importance of teaching children to report suspicious or uncomfortable interactions and to avoid meeting individuals they have only encountered online without proper supervision.

“This case underscores how quickly online interactions can escalate into dangerous real-world situations,” officials said, noting the added concern of an adult allegedly traveling across state lines to meet a minor.

Anyone with information related to this case or who may have knowledge of additional victims is urged to contact the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 251-972-8589 or dispatch at 251-937-0202.

The investigation remains active.