Florida Rep. Allen Convicted in Men's Room Sex Case

(Titusville, Florida) In July 2007, Florida state Rep. Robert "Bob" Allen, R-Merritt Island, was arrested for allegedly soliciting an undercover male officer for sex at a park in Central Florida. Allen allegedly offered to perform oral sex on the officer for $20.

In the latest development, Allen was found guilty.

A jury on Friday convicted state Rep. Bob Allen of soliciting prostitution from an undercover male officer in July.

"I am innocent and I've done nothing wrong," Allen said following the reading of the verdict. "My family, my God and my good constituents know that and we are not going to stop until we get that justice."

Allen faces up to 60 days in county jail and a $500 fine for the second-degree misdemeanor. The Merritt Island Republican was accused of peering over a stall in a men's public park restroom, then agreeing to pay $20 to perform oral sex on Titusville police Officer Danny Kavanaugh.

Unlike the Sen. Larry Craig case which reportedly involved toe-tapping and a wide stance, it appears there is no ambiguity in the Allen case about men's room protocol.

Kavanaugh, fit and young, said the seven-year state house veteran peeked into the handicapped stall when he entered for a paper towel, then went inside to join the officer.

He said Allen asked to go somewhere private, then testified telling the defendant: "I'm looking to get some money. Can you hook me up with $20?"

"Sure, I can do that. But this place is too public," Allen allegedly said. [ ... ]

Allen stopped as he and Kavanaugh left the restroom and asked if he was a police officer, then motioned to follow, prosecutor Pat Whitaker said.

"If I was a cop, why would I be hanging around here?" Kavanaugh testified saying. "Well they come here too sometimes," he said Allen responded.

As they neared the car, Kavanaugh said he asked what Allen wanted him to do. According to Kavanaugh's testimony, the discourse went as follows:

"I don't know what you're into," Allen said.

Kavanaugh asked if Allen wanted oral sex.

"I was thinking you would want one," Allen said.

"But you'll still give me the $20 for that, right?" Kavanaugh said.

"I would not argue with that," Allen answered.

Allen's defense was that he thought he was being robbed so he went along with everything Kavanaugh said while looking for a chance to flee.


[Update 11/22/07]

Allen sentenced to six months probation and $250 fine.