A defendant labeled as a predator by the State Attorney’s office was sentenced in Florida.
During a hearing, defendant Ali Moreno was sentenced to life in prison followed by an additional 35 years.
In October 2024, the defendant portrayed himself as a 15-year-old boy on a social media platform, groomed an 11-year-old child, then later traveled from Flagler County to St. Johns County and assaulted her.
During the investigation, detectives identified several additional victims from across the Seventh Judicial Circuit whom Moreno had groomed and assaulted.
A St. Johns County jury found Moreno guilty as charged of two counts of Sexual Battery on Person less than 12 years of age, Traveling to Meet a Minor, Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct Using Computer Services or Devices while Misrepresenting Age, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, Possession of Child Pornography, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device.
“Another sexual predator gone from our community for good,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said following the sentencing. “Your prosecutors fight every day, so you and your family are safe. It is our mission, duty, and privilege to protect you.”
The Florida case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Monica Smith successfully prosecuted the case for the State of Florida. The Honorable Christopher Ferebee heard the case and imposed sentence.
