Florida
Michael Ray Pennington Panama City Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison
Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being found guilty by a federal jury of attempted enticement of a minor.
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Key points
- Michael Ray Pennington, 60, received a 10-year federal prison sentence for attempted enticement of a minor.
- An undercover sting by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and HSI caught Pennington offering money to a fake 15-year-old profile.
- Pennington faces eight years of supervised release and mandatory sex offender registration upon leaving prison.
NewsWK — Federal authorities secured a conviction against a Bay County resident following an undercover sting operation. A federal jury found 60-year-old Michael Ray Pennington guilty of attempting to entice a minor.
What led to the Panama City man sentenced enticement of minor verdict?
Federal judges ordered Michael Ray Pennington to serve 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of attempted enticement. In addition to his prison term, Pennington must complete eight years of supervised release. Moreover, court orders require him to register as a sex offender upon his release.
How did officers build the Panama City child enticement case?
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Homeland Security Investigations during a November 2025 undercover operation. First, an investigator posted a fictitious advertisement on a website known for prostitution. Pennington responded directly to the ad. Next, agents explicitly informed Pennington that the individual was a 15-year-old child.
What does the Michael Ray Pennington federal sentence demonstrate about regional law enforcement?
This conviction highlights ongoing efforts across Northwest Florida to remove online predators from local communities. Despite learning the child’s age, Pennington offered money for sexual activity. Consequently, deputies arrested Pennington when he arrived at a designated meeting location. Furthermore, a search of his phone revealed matching text messages and call logs.
Key prosecution details include:
- The case fell under Project Safe Childhood, a national program launched in May 2006.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Schwan handled the federal prosecution.
- U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced the final sentence.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Related: Michael Ray Pennington, residente de Panama City, condenado a 10 años en prisión federal
Related: Northwest Florida Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Attempted Enticement of a Minor
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