A former football player for the University of Tennessee has been arrested in connection with a child sex sting operation in Florida.
According to police, 23-year-old Mackenzie Crowder was taken into custody around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday in Pinellas County.
He was caught in an operation that targets men who are allegedly interested in having sex with underage females.
Investigators said he thought he was talking with a 14-year-old girl online when he was actually communicating with an officer.
Police said he also sent four nude photos to the minor and tried to entice her to engage in sexual activities.
Crowder allegedly made arrangements to meet with the teen in the Clearwater-St. Petersburg area. There, deputies were able to make the arrest.
During an interview, detectives said Crowder admitted to knowing that he was communicating with a girl he thought was 14-years -old.
Crowder was arrested for one count of certain use of computer services prohibited and four-counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
