CLEARWATER, Fla. — The CEO of a West Virginia-based private organization dedicated to helping children was arrested in Clearwater last week and charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor, among other offenses.
- Larry Lawson, 35, formerly CEO of Children Solutions, LLC.
- Lawson allegedly met teen victim in Pennsylvania, brought him to Clearwater
- Teen initially denied relationship was sexual in nature, later admitted to kissing, other sexual activity
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Larry Lawson, 35, formerly the CEO of Children Solutions, LLC, also faces charges of sheltering a minor, interference with custody, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to police, Lawson met a teen on social media and maintained a relationship with him for two years.
They said he then brought the 16-year-old boy from Pennsylvania to Clearwater without his mother's consent.
The mother discovered her son on Snapchat at a hotel on the beach and alerted authorities.
Police said Lawson initially stated the teen was his cousin, then told them they were just friends and traveling companions.
Detectives said at first the teen denied the relationship was sexual in nature, stating he didn't want to make it worse.
They said he told them they had kissed, but later admitted to another sexual activity.
Children Solutions LLC confirmed they fired Lawson following his arrest and issued the following statement:
"The owner's position is in the process of being transferred over. We are looking to revamp the organization with a new face to the agency. We have no comment on the specific individual," said spokesperson Jessica Daniels.
Lawson was released from the Pinellas County Jail on $25,300 bond.
Larry Lawson (courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)