Deputies: Sexual predator targeted Clay County girl, 11, from across the world

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said a sexual predator targeted a local girl from across the world.

Action News Jax has confirmed a 25-year-old Malaysian national is accused of sending explicit pictures and videos to an 11-year-old girl in Clay County all the way from Australia.

Clay County mom Courtney Wallace has her hands full with her soon-to-be 5-year-old, Joy. She was shocked to hear about this child exploitation case.

“Just technology is scary when it comes to kids. It’s very nerve-wracking,” Wallace said.

Last month, the Australian Federal Police said the Malaysian national was arrested while authorities were serving a search warrant.

Authorities haven’t identified him and won’t provide a mug shot.

Authorities said in January, he started exchanging explicit videos and pictures on social media with an 11-year-old Clay County girl.

Police said he was all the way in Melbourne, Australia, which is nearly 10,000 miles away.

“I’m glad they caught the person that was doing it, and hopefully that’ll make parents be more aware of what’s going on,” local mom Barbara Smith said.

AFP said this man faces 15 years in prison on charges of soliciting child pornography and possession of child abuse material.

For Wallace, the case reinforces what she'd already planned, that Joy won’t get a phone for years.

“Cell phones are really more of a big issue because anybody can contact you from anywhere, clearly, Australia,” Wallace said.

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Deputies: Sexual predator targeted Clay County girl, 11, from across the world Deputies: Sexual predator targeted Clay County girl, 11, from across the world

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