DOB: 03/12/1973

Case Number: 2025 101592 CFDB

Former Educator and Pastor Convicted of Soliciting a Child for Sex

DAYTONA BEACH – After a two-day trial, a Volusia County jury found defendant Jeffrey Summers guilty as charged of Traveling to Meet a Minor, Soliciting a Child or Person Believed to be a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct using Computer Services or Devices, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device.

In March 2025, the Port Orange Police Department conducted an undercover operation that targeted suspects using the internet to sexually exploit children.

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

The defendant made plans to meet the minor for sexual activity in Port Orange. When Summers showed up, officers arrested him.

The defendant worked as a paraprofessional at Horizon Elementary School in Port Orange before his arrest. He also served as a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church.

“The sad reality is that sex offenders often gravitate to positions that put them in contact with children,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about this case. “This defendant will be dealt with accordingly at sentencing.”

The Port Orange Police Department investigated the case. Assistant State Ashley McCarthy successfully tried the case for the State of Florida. The Honorable Leah Case presided over the case and will pronounce sentence at a later date. Summers faces up to 15 years in prison for the crimes.