Texas man travels to Orlando to have relations with 9-year-old girl, but is arrested instead

The Orlando Police Department was conducting an undercover online child exploitation investigation, specifically targeting suspects who contact minors for the purpose of sexual activity, when they encountered Mark Andrew Nichols. 

The report states that a detective, who posed as the father, mother, and 9-year-old daughter, engaged with Nichols. Nichols made it very clear that he was "very interested" in the young girl and wanted to further communicate.

Police say that Nichols went on to say that he was interested in having sexual relations with the 9-year-old child, but he wanted to ensure that the child's parents and the child were "comfortable" with this. He proceeded to send photos of himself to them, so the detective sent decoy photos back. 

After seeing the child, Nichols reportedly expressed that he would love to meet the family, specifically the 9-year-old daughter, and was actually planning a trip to the Orlando area soon. 

After speaking with both the decoy father and mother through text, the man was able to speak to the 9-year-old decoy, according to police. He used many sexually explicit terms and explained to her that "I am hoping to meet you, get to know you, and be with u, if that's ok."

The report goes on to say that Nichols set up a date to meet the decoy family in Orlando on October 7th. They continued conversations until then and he was given several opportunities to cease communication with the nine-year-old and her parents.

Nichols reportedly arrived into Orlando from Texas on the planned date and upon arrival, he was immediately placed under arrest.