Ocala man accused of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of teenage girls

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

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

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

In addition, messages were discovered exchanged between Hopkins and the 15-year-old girl, in which he allegedly instructed her to send him sexually explicit videos and photos, which she did.

On June 14, MCSO detectives contacted Hopkins. After being read his Miranda rights, he reportedly admitted that he knew the girl was 15 and further admitted to having sex with her, the sheriff’s office said.

Additionally, Hopkins allegedly admitted to requesting the explicit videos and images from her. He also allegedly supplied the teen with marijuana and nicotine vapes.

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

Following Hopkins’ arrest, MCSO obtained a search warrant for a phone belonging to Hopkins, which he had on him at the time of his arrest. During a forensic examination of the device, the sheriff’s office reportedly discovered “significant evidence (that) demonstrates a pattern of Hopkins seeking out vulnerable children, supplying them with narcotics, and producing child abuse material with his victims.”

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

While still in custody in the Marion County Jail, Hopkins was charged on August 15 with human trafficking (two counts), directing a child to perform a sexual act (11 counts), possession of child pornography (21 counts), violating probation (two counts) and violating conditions of pretrial release.

Hopkins is currently being held in the Marion County Jail without bail.

According to MCSO, there are still children in the videos found on Hopkins’ phone, but they have not yet been identified.

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