American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Florida Staff Representative Lisa Burke sits alongside John Flannigan during collective bargaining negotiations on Sept. 10. Members of the union spoke to UCF representatives regarding changes to a proposed collective bargaining agreement.
Bryan Gonzalez
A UCF blue-collar worker was arrested during an undercover operation targeting people attempting to meet and solicit minors, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
John Charles Flannigan attempted to meet with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old boy, according to the post.
Flannigan was booked on Saturday and faces four felony counts: solicitation of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Detectives displayed items in a video posted online that they said Flannigan brought to the meetup, including condoms and personal lubricant.
Flannigan represented the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees during collective bargaining negotiations with UCF on Sept. 10. AFSCME represents many of the university’s blue-collar employees, according to the UCF Human Resources website.
A UCF press release from 2023 recognized Flannigan for working at the university for five years.
“UCF has zero tolerance for conduct of this nature and took immediate action after becoming aware of the arrest,” Margot Winick, a UCF spokesperson, said in an email to The Charge. “The individual has been placed on unpaid leave as the university works to pursue separation.”
AFSCME Florida did not respond to emails requesting comment. When called, the organization declined to answer questions on the arrest.
“We commend law enforcement for their swift action and continued work to keep our communities and citizens safe,” Winick said.