Inverness married couple flees, but located and arrested on charges of sexual activity with a minor
Graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - In late July, 2024, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) received information that a married couple were involved in a sexual relationship with a juvenile in Citrus County. The suspects were 32 year-old Kendra Rose Metts and her 47-year-old husband, Jon Joesph Metts of Inverness, Florida.
Detective Mike Mission, with the CCSO's Special Victims Unit, immediately began an investigation into the allegations against the couple. He obtained evidence that supported the allegations brought against the duo for engaging in sexual activity with the juvenile victim, numerous times, both individually and together. Based on this evidence, Detective Mission worked with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office and obtained warrants for the arrest of both Jon and Kendra Metts.
During the early stages of this investigation, the Metts fled from their Citrus County residence.
On August 27, 2024, the United States Marshals Service arrested Kendra Metts in Gadsden, Alabama, where she had relocated as a result of this investigation. She was charged with six counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. She is being held without bond, as per the warrant, and will be extradited to the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida.
On September 4, 2024, the United States Marshals Service arrested Jon Metts in Summerfield, Florida. He was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors and one count of possession of child pornography. He is also being held without bond, as per the warrant, and will be transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility.
"Jon and Kendra Metts are predators, in the truest sense of the word, and are a danger to our community," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "They were fully aware that their actions were illegal and immoral. and still chose to manipulate the juvenile victim and use them for their own sexual gratification. The CCSO will continue to work closely with our partners at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office to seek closure for the victim. Thanks to Detective Mission's hard work and dedication to uncovering the truth, Citrus County is a safer place."
About the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Special Victims Unit:
The Special Victims Unit conducts specialized investigations into sexual and physical abuse cases involving children. This unit works in conjunction with the Fifth Judicial Circuit Attorney's Office, Jessie's Place - Citrus County's Advocacy Center, the Department of Children and Families, and other local, state, and federal agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving the exploitation and abuse of children. The detectives assigned to this unit are among the most skilled and experienced investigators in law enforcement; they undergo in-depth training in various forensic disciplines and other specialized training topics.