A 19-year-old man from Immokalee has been charged with multiple felony offenses after Collier County deputies said he attempted to lure a group of children near an elementary school while wearing a mask. The arrest follows a reported incident that occurred Friday afternoon in the area surrounding Lake Trafford Elementary School, a location frequented by students walking home after classes.
Authorities say the children involved were not physically harmed, but the encounter prompted an immediate investigation due to the nature of the allegations and the proximity to a school. Law enforcement officials identified the suspect within hours and took him into custody at his residence the same day. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, identified as Julian Valdez, was arrested after deputies gathered statements from the children and assessed information provided by witnesses.
The incident, reported shortly after school dismissal, raised concerns among parents and school officials, leading deputies to respond quickly. According to investigators, the allegations center on actions that authorities say were intended to entice children to approach the suspect, an offense treated seriously under Florida law, particularly when combined with the use of a mask to conceal identity.
Details of the Incident Near Lake Trafford Elementary School
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the incident was reported at approximately 3:08 p.m. on Friday near Lake Trafford Road, close to Lake Trafford Elementary School in Immokalee. Deputies said a group of children told investigators they were walking home from school when a man emerged from behind bushes along the roadway. The children reported that the man offered them a bag of chips and encouraged them to come closer.
Investigators said one of the children told deputies that after initially approaching the group, the man ducked back behind the bushes and put on a ski mask. The children reported feeling frightened by the behavior and ran away from the area. According to deputies, the suspect briefly chased after the children before turning around and leaving the scene.
The children were able to reach an adult safely, and the incident was promptly reported to the sheriff’s office. Deputies responded and began canvassing the area, speaking with the children involved and collecting information that could help identify the suspect. Law enforcement officials did not report any physical contact between the suspect and the children, and authorities said the children were not injured.
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The area where the incident occurred is a residential and school-adjacent zone where children are commonly present during afternoon hours. Deputies noted that the timing of the incident coincided with school dismissal, a period when many students are walking home or waiting for transportation. Because of this, investigators treated the report as a high priority.
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The sheriff’s office has not released details about how many children were involved, nor has it specified their ages, citing the protection of minors. Authorities also have not indicated whether any surveillance footage captured the incident, though deputies confirmed that information provided by the children played a key role in identifying the suspect.
Arrest of Julian Valdez and Charges Filed
Later the same day, Collier County deputies identified Julian Valdez, 19, as the suspect in the reported incident. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies located Valdez at his home in Immokalee and took him into custody without incident. Authorities said the arrest occurred within hours of the initial report, following investigative steps that included interviews and the evaluation of witness statements.
Valdez is charged with luring and enticing a child while wearing a mask, as well as a public order crime related to wearing a mask on the street. Both charges are classified as felony offenses under Florida law. Investigators said the combination of alleged luring behavior and the use of a mask elevated the seriousness of the case.
Under Florida statutes, luring or enticing a child involves attempting to persuade or encourage a minor to enter a location or approach an individual for an unlawful purpose. The charge does not require physical contact for an arrest to be made, and prosecutors can pursue the case based on intent and actions described by witnesses. Wearing a mask during the commission of certain acts can constitute an additional offense, particularly when authorities allege the mask was used to conceal identity in a public setting.
The sheriff’s office has not released details about whether Valdez has an attorney or whether he entered a plea at the time of his arrest. Court records were not immediately available detailing bond conditions or an initial court appearance. Deputies also did not disclose whether Valdez has any prior criminal history.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Valdez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains active, and deputies said additional information may be released as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
Community Response and Law Enforcement Emphasis on Child Safety
The reported incident and subsequent arrest have drawn attention within the Immokalee community, particularly among parents with children attending schools in the area. Law enforcement officials said they increased patrols near Lake Trafford Elementary School following the report as a precautionary measure. Deputies also coordinated with school officials to ensure families were informed and reassured about the response.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious behavior immediately, especially when incidents involve children or occur near schools. Deputies noted that the swift reporting by the children and the adult they reached was instrumental in allowing authorities to respond quickly and identify a suspect. Law enforcement officials said timely communication can make a significant difference in investigations of this nature.
Authorities also reminded parents and guardians to discuss safety awareness with children, including guidance on how to respond if approached by strangers. Deputies emphasized that children should be encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult and to report any incident that makes them feel unsafe. The sheriff’s office said it routinely works with schools and community organizations to provide education on personal safety and awareness.
While the case proceeds, investigators said they will continue to review evidence and follow standard procedures to prepare the matter for prosecution. Deputies have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed, stating only that the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials said they remain focused on ensuring the safety of children in the community and addressing concerns raised by the incident near the elementary school.
Valdez remains charged with felony offenses related to the alleged luring attempt and the use of a mask in public. Further details regarding court proceedings are expected to become available as the case moves forward through the Collier County judicial system.