FL: Rep. Allen gets probation for soliciting prostitution

State Rep. Bob Allen was sentenced to six-months probation today on a misdemeanor count of solicitation for prostitution.

Allen, a Merrit Island Republican, could have been sentenced to 60 days in jail. He plans to appeal.

In addition to the probation, Allen was fined $250 and must pay $245 for in restitution to the Titusville Police for the initial investigation,

Allen also must attend an HIV awareness class, undergo sexually transmitted disease testing and pay court costs.

He is also forbidden to return to Space View Park where the incident took place.

A jury found Allen guilty of the charge that stemmed from a July 11 incident in the Space View Park men's room. An undercover Titusville police officer testified during last week's trial that Allen agreed to pay him $20 to perform a sexual act.

Allen co-sponsored a bill months before his arrest that would have increased public sex charges from a misdemeanor to a felony. The proposed bill addressed "unnatural and lascivious acts or exposure or exhibition of sexual organs" within 1,000 feet of a park, school or child care facility.

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