An endodontist in Florida accused of sending explicit texts, images, and videos to an individual he believed was a 13-year-old boy has been arrested, according to a story published on October 23 in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Dr. Bruce Manne, 73, of Manne Endodontics in Daytona Beach, FL, was arrested on October 2 for allegedly sending explicit messages and materials to a 13-year-old boy who turned out to be an undercover sheriff’s office deputy conducting a sex crimes investigation, according to the story.
Manne faces the felony charges of transmission of harmful material to a minor, harmful communication with a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The endodontist was released from jail after posting $7,500 in bail. During his arraignment on October 16, Manne pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Manne's name and image have been removed from the dental practice's website.
In June, Manne allegedly messaged the teen on Snapchat and identified himself as “Florida fit dad.” Authorities claim Manne, who reportedly identified himself as a 50-year-old ear, nose, and throat doctor, told the boy that he liked younger boys because they were “fun and full of surprises,” according to the story.
Manne allegedly continued to message the boy, asked if he liked to kiss, and eventually sent him an explicit 11-second video. The teen responded and repeated his age, but Manne reportedly confirmed that it wasn’t a problem, according to the story.
In September, authorities questioned Manne at his dental practice. Initially, Manne reportedly denied sending the explicit video. Eventually, he allegedly admitted to having a Snapchat account and messaging the minor. However, Manne claimed he didn’t know the boy’s age, according to the story.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
