He admitted hugging two 12-year-old boys and talking to an 8-year-old boy, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

DUNEDIN – A Dunedin man has been charged in connection with an attempted kidnapping of an 8-year-old boy, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Jeff Stephen Mills, 53, of Dunedin, was charged with one count of luring or enticing a child and two counts of simple battery. Deputies said they were able to identify Mills through citizen tips and various investigative techniques.

Mills is accused of stopping an 8-year-old boy who was walking from his bus stop Friday (April 6). The boy told deputies that the man told him, “I work with your dad and he wants me to pick you up.” The boy said that when he kept walking, Mills got out of his vehicle. (For related story, click here.)

During their investigation, detectives said they received additional information that Mills had also made contact with two 12-year-old boys near the intersection of Lakewood Drive and Dogwood Drive in Dunedin about 5 p.m. Friday. Deputies said he hugged the boys without their permission.

Mills was arrested about 10:12 this morning (April 8). Once in custody, deputies said, Mills admitted making contact with and hugging the 12 year olds. Mills also admitted to talking to the 8 year old, but denied telling the child that he knew his father and that he was told to pick him up. Mills also denied getting out of his vehicle.

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | Luring Child | Battery | Arrests | Tampabay News

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