Largo Police Arrest Former Teacher for Attempting to Solicit a 14 Year-old Boy Online
Largo Police Department Detectives report they began chatting online with an unidentified suspect who had posted a sexually explicit advertisement on Craigslist. The chats began around March 19, 2017.
During the conversations that ensued with the Detective, the suspect, later identified as 68 year-old Robert Orlopp was told several times he was chatting with a 14 year old boy.
Detectives say that despite being told the person he was chatting with was 14 years old, Orlopp continued to engage in online conversation with the Detective and even requested a meeting in order to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
During the course of chatting, Orlopp provided a photo of himself to the Detective, which allowed for identification, and also asked if the Detective had any other young friends he could introduce to Orlopp for the purpose of committing sexual acts.
On March 31st, Orlopp agreed to meet with the Detective, who Orlopp believed was an underage boy, at a local restaurant in the City of Largo.
During this time, Orlopp was stopped and interviewed by Detectives where he subsequently admitted to his involvement in this incident.
Orlopp was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County jail on charges of:
– Traveling to meet a minor
– 2 counts of using a computer to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child
– Unlawful use of 2-way communication device
– Misrepresentation of age while using a computer to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child
Orlopp’s computer and phone were seized as a result of the investigation with additional charges pending.
Through the course of the investigation, it was also learned that Orlopp had worked full time as a local teacher from 1972-2007.
IONTB has confirmed that Orlopp taught for many years in Pinellas County. He retired in 2007 after serving as the science supervisor for the Pinellas County School system.
He is also a graduate of Clearwater High School.