Aspiring TikTok influencer sentenced to prison for sexual offenses against teenage girls

A would-be social media influencer has been jailed after admitting a series of sex offenses against two teenage girls.

Reaquain Palmer came to the attention of the police in late July last year when one of his victims told staff at his school about a sexual relationship.

The schoolgirl knew Palmer from his viral Tik Tok account and was later introduced to him in person.

Palmer, then 23, invited her back to his apartment and had sex with her on three separate occasions.

When he was arrested a short time later, he denied ever having sexual contact with her, but also made it clear that he believed her to be at least 16 years old.

He also denied calling another school and trying to engage her in phone sex.

However, incriminating mobile phone messages revealed that he knew the first girl’s true age but continued his pursuit of her.

As the investigation continued, Palmer made a clear threat to one of his victims in a misguided attempt to undermine the case against him.

He later pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15. He also admitted engaging in sexual communications with a child and intimidating a witness.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday July 26, Palmer, now 24, of Carlton Road, Nottingham, was jailed for three years and eight months.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which will strictly control his online activities and access to children in the future.

Detective Sergeant Julie Salisbury, from Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Palmer was well known to many girls in Nottingham through his use of social media. It’s clear that he made the most of this notoriety and enjoyed spending time with teenage girls.

“This is not illegal, but the sexual exploitation of children is – as is threatening people in an attempt to undermine the legal process.

“Palmer knew this, but still chose to pursue sexual relations with girls he knew to be under the age of consent.

“I am pleased that he has now been brought to justice and hope that this case serves as a warning to other young people about the potential consequences of this type of behaviour.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of children and we will not hesitate to come after people who harm them in this way.”