OCALA, Fla. — A registered sex offender has been sentenced to life in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him of attempting to entice a child to engage in sexual activity during an undercover child exploitation investigation in Central Florida.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Trevor Hedge, 57, of Ocala, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to life in federal prison after being convicted of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor while being a registered sex offender.
A federal jury found Hedge guilty on March 3, 2026.
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, the investigation began in May 2025 when the Ocala Police Department conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit children through the internet. As part of the operation, an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a neglected 13-year-old child.
Authorities said Hedge contacted the undercover account and continued communicating after being informed the child was 13 years old. Prosecutors told the jury that the conversations became sexually explicit and included statements in which Hedge described what he referred to as an “addiction” to sexual activity involving minors. Investigators also testified that Hedge told the undercover officer he was “grooming” the child.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Hedge arranged to meet the person he believed was the 13-year-old child on May 22, 2025, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. When he arrived at the predetermined meeting location, officers with the Ocala Police Department took him into custody before any child could be placed in danger.
Federal court records show Hedge was already a registered sex offender based on a 1993 conviction for first-degree sexual assault of a minor. That prior conviction subjected him to federal registration requirements and became a significant factor in the charges and sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg prosecuted the case.
The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006 to combat the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The initiative coordinates federal, state, and local law enforcement resources to identify offenders, investigate internet-facilitated child exploitation, prosecute those responsible, and work to identify and rescue child victims.
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It is a relief to know that someone with this background is now out of the general public for good. If he hadn’t been given this sentence, it would have probably eventually ended in a horror story. I appreciate those who worked to bring this person to justice and I hope that he starts to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. He has lots of time to read and reflect on his past behavior.
Thank you for this article.
You’re very welcome, Chris.
I think one of the saddest parts about cases like this is realizing how many opportunities someone may have had to choose a different path in life. At some point, each of us is faced with decisions that shape not only our own future but the lives of others as well.
I also appreciate what you said about praying for him. He has been held accountable for his actions, and at the same time, there is still an opportunity for him to seek God and find the forgiveness that only Christ can offer.
Thank you again for reading the article and for taking the time to leave another thoughtful comment, Chris. I hope you have a great day ahead. 😎
You’re welcome, John. Thank you for this reply and I appreciate what you have stated. This man sort of seems like he’s in a similar position as the men next to Jesus on the cross. He can still ask God for the exact thing one of the thieves asked for. We know that God’s forgiveness is available.
Thank you for your kind words, John. I hope you have a great day ahead as well!