(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, Judge Daniel B. Merritt sentenced 43-year-old Christian Fischer to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections and designated him as a Sexual Offender. Fischer was found guilty in absentia during his jury trial back in February of this year. He was convicted of Traveling to Meet a Minor and Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct.

Fischer, who was on bond at the time of his trial, appeared in court on the first day of the trial; however, he failed to appear on the second day of the trial. As a result, a Failure to Appear warrant was issued with nationwide extradition. In July, United States Marshals Service obtained photographs of Fischer in New Orleans, La. Investigators continued their efforts and located Fischer’s hiding spot, leading to his arrest on the outstanding warrant.

The case against Fischer involves a January 20, 2022, incident in which a citizen, who created a fake profile of a minor on social media to identify individuals who seduce, solicit, or entice children to engage in unlawful sexual conduct, was contacted by Fischer online.

Fischer messaged who he thought was a 13-year-old boy. During the message exchange with the citizen, Fischer acknowledged the age of the child and went on to ask if they had ever been with anyone sexually.

After continuing to communicate with the child through increasingly explicit messages, Fischer planned to meet up with the minor at a local store.  Once at the store, the citizen confronted Fischer on his purpose there and his intentions to meet with the juvenile for sexual gratification. The citizen then called law enforcement to respond. The interaction was recorded and eventually turned over to local officials at the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

Authorities with the HCSO responded to the location and were informed by the citizen of the nature of the meeting with Fischer, who had fled prior to their arrival.   The citizen told deputies that Fischer had discarded a bag into the trash bin before fleeing. Deputies retrieved the bag, which contained lubricant, a box of chocolates, a bottle of chocolate syrup, and one bag of gummy rings.

Officials located Fischer shortly after, who was in possession of another bag that contained a hairbrush, condoms, and an enema. During an interview, Fischer admitted to knowing the person he was talking to was only 13 years of age. Additionally, he confessed to sending sexually charged messages to the minor and attempting to meet up with the child with the intent to use the items on the child.   

Investigators arrested Fischer for Traveling to Meet a Minor, Use of a Computer to Seduce, Solicit, or Lure a Child, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device, and Possession of Marijuana.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Angelina Rodeo and Ben Larison.

Published on 10/10/2025.