Maryland man accused of inappropriate online relationship with Martin County minor
MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. —
A Maryland man is facing charges in Martin County after being accused of having an inappropriate online relationship with a minor, according to investigators.
Ting Bawi, 22, was arrested following an investigation that began with a tip alleging he was sending inappropriate messages and requesting explicit photos from a teenager. Officials said they discovered child sexual abuse material on his phone and are investigating the possibility of additional victims.
The arrest report states that Bawi met the victim, a 12-year-old girl, through the online game Roblox, where she had claimed to be 16. However, officials said their conversations made it clear she was in middle school.
The victim, who was interviewed in Martin County, told investigators that she and Bawi began communicating in 2025. Text messages included in the report show Bawi writing, “You belong to me,” “I can’t wait to have you in my possession,” and expressing a desire to “make a kid” with her.
Despite his arrest in Florida, investigators in Baltimore County did not charge Bawi with sexual solicitation of a minor, as Maryland’s age of consent is 16, which the victim had listed on her Roblox account.
Bawi was booked into the Martin County Jail on Wednesday on a warrant for his arrest. He was held on a $30,000 bond and has since bonded out.
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