Michael McNeil, a 30-year-old U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade, was arrested Thursday for traveling to meet a minor for sex at a Starbucks in Clay County, deputies said.
The U.S. Navy says it’s investigating and working with law enforcement.
According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, McNeil solicited sex from a minor through online communications with an undercover detective -- whom he thought was a guardian of a 12-year-old deaf girl.
"During four days of conversation, Mr. McNeil made his intentions with the young girl very clear," the sheriff's office stated in a social media post.
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Deputies said McNeil traveled to Orange Park from Jacksonville where he was arrested.
Action News Jax has learned McNeil is stationed at Naval Station Mayport. According to McNeil's LinkedIn account, he is a Surface Warfare Officer.
A spokesperson for Naval Station Mayport says disciplinary action has not been taken yet.
Neighbors tell reporter Christy Turner that McNeil is married and has a young boy.
McNeil’s bond was $75,000. He posted bail on Friday afternoon.