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Hillsborough Detention Deputy Trainee Accused of Paying Teen, 15, for Sex

Kennorris Leroy Coleman | Clearwater Police | Arrests

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has fired him.

CLEARWATER – An ex-Hillsborough detention deputy trainee has been accused of paying a 15-year-old girl for sex and explicit photographs, the Clearwater Police Department said.

Kennorris Leroy Coleman, 26, was arrested by Clearwater police and charged with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

Coleman was dismissed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday (March 19) night. He began his employment with HCSO as a community service aide in July 2017. After graduating from the Detention Academy on March 8, he became a detention deputy trainee on a probationary status. He was taking part in an eight-week long HCSO specific training session when he was fired.

“There is no tolerance in this office for anyone who would prey against the most vulnerable and precious resource in our community: our children,” Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Kennorris Coleman does not reflect or come close to upholding the values, honor or integrity of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and I ordered him terminated immediately.”

According to the arrest affidavit, Coleman agreed to pay the teen $200 to have sexual intercourse. He also offered to buy explicit photographs of her. All arrangements were made by cell phone.

The teen told deputies she had sent the photos to Coleman and he had paid for them. Police said the photos would be considered as child pornography.

On March 1, Coleman drove to the teen’s home, picked her up, drove her to another location and had sexual relations with her in the back seat of his Chrysler 300.

On Tuesday,  a police officer, posing as the teen and using her phone, texted Coleman to ask if he had worn a condom because “she” feared she might be pregnant. Coleman said that he had worn a condom. Coleman offered to pay for an abortion if the teen was pregnant, according to the affidavit. He also asked her for reassurance that she really was 18 years old, saying, “The abortion requires it. … I have to know. The abortion is gonna require it and I can get in a lot of trouble if not.”

Hillsborough Sheriff | Clearwater Police | Crime | Arrests | Tampabay News

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