SARASOTA MAN SENTENCED IN SEX CASE

A SARASOTA MAN RECEIVED A 22 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE AFTER BEING CONVICTED OF USING THE INTERNET TO TRY AND HAVE SEX WITH MINORS.  A JURY CONVICTED 49 YEAR OLD TIMOTHY BIDWELL IN FEBRUARY OF USING THE INTERNET IN AN ATTEMPT TO INDUCE AND PERSUADE A MINOR IN SEX ACTS.  HE WAS SENTENCED LAST WEEK BY A JUDGE IN TAMPA.  CRIME STOPPERS CONTACTED PINELLAS AUTHORITIES LAST YEAR ABOUT AN ONLINE CLASSIFIED IN WHICH A MAN WANTED TO FIND A MOTHER WILLING TO SHARE A DAUGHTER FOR SEX.  PINELLAS COUNTY DETECTIVES RESPONDED TO THE AD, POSING AS A MOTHER WITH TWO UNDERAGE DAUGHTERS.  THEY ARRESTED BIDWELL IN AUGUST AFTER ARRANGING A MEETING WITH HIM IN CLEARWATER.