An Ocala man was recently arrested and charged with human trafficking in connection with the sexual exploitation of several 15 to 16-year-old girls from Marion County, two months after he was jailed for allegedly producing pornography of a minor.

Earlier this year, on February 15, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a local residence after a woman discovered that her 15-year-old granddaughter had engaged in “disturbing conversations with men” on her phone, according to the sheriff’s office.

An MCSO digital forensics technician examined the 15-year-old girl’s phone and located a video that showed her having sex with a man who was later identified as 21-year-old Morani Davon Daron Hopkins.

In addition, messages were discovered that had been sent between Hopkins and the 15-year-old girl, including his alleged instructions for her to send sexually explicit videos and photos to him, which she did.

On June 14, MCSO detectives made contact with Hopkins. After being read his Miranda rights, he allegedly admitted to knowing that the girl was 15, and he further admitted to having sex with her, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition, Hopkins allegedly admitted to requesting the explicit videos and images from her, adding that he would provide the teen with marijuana and nicotine vapes.

Hopkins was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail on June 14. He was initially charged with lewd or lascivious battery, directing the sexual performance by a child (six counts), possession of child pornography (six counts), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Following Hopkins’s arrest, MCSO obtained a search warrant for a phone belonging to Hopkins, which was in his possession at the time of his arrest. During a forensic search of the device, the sheriff’s office allegedly discovered “significant evidence (showing) a pattern of Hopkins’ seeking out vulnerable children, providing them with narcotics, and producing child sexual abuse material with his victims.”

An MCSO detective was able to identify three of the minor victims that were observed in the additional videos recovered from Hopkins’ phone. According to the sheriff’s office, these victims are from Marion County.

While still at Marion County Jail, Hopkins was charged on August 15 with human trafficking (two counts), directing the sexual performance by a child (11 counts), possession of child pornography (21 counts), violation of probation (two counts), and violation of pre-trial release conditions.

Hopkins is currently being held at Marion County Jail without bond.

According to MCSO, there are still children in the videos that were recovered from Hopkins’ phone that have not yet been identified.

If you or someone you know may have had contact with Hopkins, the Marion County Sherif’s Office asks that you contact Detective Osthed at 352-351-4710. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call 352-368-STOP(7867).