INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A man from Indian River County has been arrested after authorities were notified that he was exchanging drugs for sex with a 15-year-old girl, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities investigated the man, identified as Shawn Lauterbach, 51, after someone informed the Sheriff’s Office that Lauterbach was engaging in sexual activity with the minor in exchange for drugs. At the conclusion of the investigation, Lauterbach was arrested Sept. 6 at the BP carwash located at 1000 20th Ave. SW.
Authorities had made contact with Lauterbach through controlled text messages to set up a time when he thought he would be meeting the 15-year-old to have sex for the drug SPICE, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
When Lauterbach was told the victim did not have money but needed more drugs, Lauterbach replied, “If you ride me out there, I’ll get you some.” When asked if that meant having sex, Lauterbach said, “yea, if you ride me out there.”
After being taken into custody, a box of condoms found in the truck was taken for evidence, according to authorities.
Lauterbach faces charges of traveling to meet a minor for sex and driving without a valid license. Authorities also served multiple arrest warrants on Lauterbach.
