Suspect arrested for sex crimes involving 14-year-old

A Clermont man was arrested Wednesday for sex crimes and other offenses involving a juvenile after an investigation lasting several months.

John Don Bannister Jr., 29, was charged with lewd or lascivious battery, two counts of possession of child pornography, human trafficking, contributing to the delinquency of a child, traveling to meet a minor for criminal activity and delivery of controlled substance to minor, according to a press release from the Mascotte Police Department.

In May of this year, the MPD initiated an investigation into a lewd and lascivious battery on a 14-year-old juvenile. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, additional victims were identified. After a six-month investigation, the MPD obtained an arrest warrant for Bannister.