FDLE says more victims come forward in Longwood man's child rape, murder plot

Central Florida man lured in families with a fake independent movie deal

Shawn Thomas.

LONGWOOD, Fla. – State agents told Local 6 several more victims have come forward, saying they almost fell victim to a rape and murder plot disguised by a movie deal.

Shawn Thomas, 29, posed as a film student and posted ads online, even on legitimate recruiting services, searching for minor girls to be in an independent film. The real plot, though, was to rape the girl, kill her and her family, film it all and then sell his movie, investigators say.

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Thomas recruited a 9-year-old girl and her family for his plot, and lured them to a vacant Longwood home, investigators said. The father became suspicious and the family left. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation later revealed Thomas' true plot to rape, murder and profit off of his acts.

He is being held without bond in the Seminole County Jail.

Agents said they believe there are still more victims and ask any family who dealt with Thomas to call FDLE.


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