DOB: 12/25/1986

Case Number: CF2300889

St. Johns County Defendant Convicted of Soliciting a Child for Sex

ST. AUGUSTINE – After a two-day trial, a St. Johns County jury found defendant Joshua Blackwelder guilty as charged of Soliciting a Child or a Person Believed to be a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct Using Computer Services or Devices, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device and two counts of Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors by Electronic Device.

In April 2023, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation, which targeted suspects using the internet to sexually exploit children.

During the operation, an undercover detective portrayed themselves as a 14-year-old girl on a dating app. The detective then received sexual text messages from Blackwelder in response to the fake profile.

The defendant was making plans to meet the minor for sexual acts before deputies arrested him at his home.

“The internet is a blessing and a curse,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Everyone should be aware of the dangers posed by predatory individuals like the defendant. Parents watch, protect and prepare your children for the dangers lurking online.”

The case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorneys Jennifer Lieb and Rich Lehman successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Lee Smith presided over the case and is set to pronounce sentence on August 6, 2025.