Lady Lake man charged with seeking sex with 13-year-old

A Lady Lake man has been arrested after allegedly seeking to have sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Leon Gasden Smith, 42, was booked without bond Thursday at the Marion County Jail following his arrest by Marion County sheriff’s deputies.

Smith began chatting via an online dating app with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl, according to an arrest report. Smith described himself as a “day laborer” and began talking about meeting the girl. The officer, posing as the girl, clearly explained the age of the girl. Smith described his expectations for sexual activity and claimed he is a “good teacher.” He also cautioned “the girl” not to share details of their conversation, which Smith initiated using his tablet, and worried he “could go way for a long time” if he got caught. He also encouraged her to watch pornography to prepare for their sexual experience. They arranged for a rendezvous and Smith said he would be driving a red Jeep.

Deputies showed up at the meeting place and took Smith into custody. His tablet was found in the vehicle. Smith was also in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.

He had been arrested in November in Lake County after he was caught riding a motorcycle with a suspended license. He was also in possession of methamphetamine at the time of that arrest.