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Lake Wales Detective Accused Of Seducing Teen With Messages

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By BILLY TOWNSEND | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Updated: 05/09/2008 04:23 pm

  Robert Hendrix

LAKE WALES - A Lake Wales police detective was arrested late Thursday and accused of exchanging sexually charged text messages with a 16-year-old Lake Wales High School student working in the police cadet program, which he coordinated, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement report.

Robert Hendrix, 25, was charged with use of an electronic device to seduce a child and traveling to meet a minor.

Hendrix was arrested after an internal investigation into "an inappropriate relationship with a former public safety cadet," said Lake Wales police Chief Herbert Gillis. The case was turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which arrested Hendrix.

The FDLE report includes transcripts of text message exchanges from Jan. 21 and 22 that are full of graphic sex talk between Hendrix and the girl, who did not cooperate with investigators, according to the FDLE report.

Hendrix met the girl in 2007, when she took part in the Lake Wales Police Department cadet program. The FDLE report said she often accompanied Hendrix on police ride-alongs.

It's not clear if they were alone or accompanied by other officers.

On Jan. 21, Hendrix picked up the girl from her home in Lake Wales and drove her to Winter Haven, where they ate at an Olive Garden restaurant, the report said. Witnesses reported seeing Hendrix kiss the girl inside the restaurant, according to the report. Shortly after, Hendrix rented a room at the Best Western Hotel in Winter Haven, the report said.

Lake Wales police Capt. Troy Schulze said late Friday that the investigation into Hendrix's activities is not complete, and further charges are possible.

The detective, who was hired in 2004 and is paid $39,574 annually, has been placed on administrative leave, Gillis said.

Gillis provided this statement on the arrest:

"Be assured the destructive decision made by Robert Hendrix is in no way representative of the values of the Lake Wales Police Department. Disappointment and hurt represent the emotions that we must now confront. I ask for your continued support and prayers during this difficult time."

Hendrix was given $125,000 bond at a first appearance hearing Friday afternoon.

Schulze also confirmed that Hendrix is the subject of an arson investigation in a fire that destroyed his home in October. He has not been charged, however.

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