DELTONA, Fla. – An investigation that started in Georgia ended with a Deltona man’s arrest.
Truneika Ramos, 34, was arrested by Volusia County deputies Thursday. Ramos, also known as Dejon and D.J. Ramos, is accused of using online video games, Paladins and AFK Arena, to contact the 14-year-old victim.
The investigation began in March 2020 with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. Deputies said Ramos also had sexually explicit text and video conversations with the victim through Google Hangouts. Ramos was aware of the teen’s age and believed they were in a relationship, according to a news release.
A Deltona resident has been arrested after discovery of sexually explicit online chats with a 14-year-old Georgia girl. The platforms involved included the games "Paladins" and "AFK Arena." The video chats occurred on Google Hangouts. More info at: https://t.co/xnlMXp3CWm pic.twitter.com/5djWv9T9d2
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) February 19, 2021
Ramos faces charges of using a computer to solicit a child and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He was still in jail Friday, held on $55,000 bond, records show.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Volusia County is currently serving more warrants for internet crimes against children than narcotics cases.
“About a dozen more warrants for crimes like this than we do for drugs. That’s how dangerous. And as this technology emerges, it’s emboldened these predators,” said Chitwood. “Something so benign as a Nintendo game and yet you have these scumbag predators that are out there trolling, looking for their opportunity.”
Chitwood said parents need to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity.
“Thank God my parenting days are over because I’m technologically inept. So, I don’t know how I would keep up with the kids today, but you have to be paying attention to everything that’s going on,” Chitwood said.