Austen Scott Tucker, 29, of Panama City, Florida, has been federally charged with attempted enticement of a minor, as announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Tucker appeared for his arraignment in Tallahassee before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos. His jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker. If convicted, Tucker faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuting. This action is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative combating child sexual exploitation. An indictment is an allegation, and Tucker is presumed innocent until proven guilty.