An Ocala man was recently arrested and charged with human trafficking in connection with the sexual exploitation of several 15- to 16-year-old Marion County girls, two months after he was arrested on charges of producing pornography involving minors.

Earlier this year, on February 15, officers from 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, according to the sheriff’s office.

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

In addition, messages exchanged between Hopkins and the 15-year-old girl were discovered 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 allegedly admitted to knowing the girl was 15 years old and also admitted to having sex with her, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition, Hopkins allegedly admitted to soliciting the explicit videos and images from her, adding that he would provide the teenager with marijuana and nicotine vaporizers.

Hopkins was arrested on June 14 and booked into the Marion County Jail. He was initially charged with sexual assault or lascivious battery, directing a child to engage in sexual activity (six counts), possession of child pornography (six counts) and inducing a minor to commit a crime.

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

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

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

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

According to MCSO, the videos found on Hopkins’ phone still show children who have not yet been identified.

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