Man arrested for crimes on Internet

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:05

A 30-year-old Hillsboro man was indicted in U.S. District Court in Orlando, Fla., on two felony counts of criminal activity involving the Internet by sending obscene material and influencing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Nicholas Knittig was arrested at 7 a.m. Aug. 22 at his place of employment by the Marion County sheriff’s office, Hillsboro Police Department and FBI agents, according to Sheriff Robert Craft.

A search warrant was carried out at his residence at 302 N. Washington, he said.

In the federal indictment filed almost two weeks prior to Knittig’s arrest, Jim Cross with the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Kansas District said Knittig was sent back to Florida.

The indictment stated Knittig is alleged to have committed the Internet crimes on or about May 24 through July 19 in Orange County, Fla.

The first count involved lewd or lascivious battery, which, according to Florida law, is when a person engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16, or encourages or entices a person less than 16 years of age to engage in a depraved behavior.

The second count of the indictment started on or about June 19 in Orange County with Knittig allegedly using the Internet to attempt to transfer obscene images of an adult male.

The indictment also noted that some of Knittig’s property was seized as evidence in the commission of the crime, along with materials produced, mailed or shipped.

In addition to the new charges, Knittig is also a sex offender, convicted in June 2004 on a crime of traveling with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. He is listed online as a registered offender.

Knittig is expected to be arraigned in U.S. District Court-Orlando Division this week, but according to Florida officials, he is currently in transit with U.S. Marshals.