Rob Lopicola, former NewsChannel 5 WPTV weatherman, arrested on underage sex charges

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Former WPTV weatherman, Rob Lopicola was arrested on Monday afternoon by U.S. Marshals at his Wilton Manors home in Broward county.  

According to the probable cause affidavit, Lopicola faces the following charges: one count of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, one count of lewd and lascivious battery, one count of computer pornography and child exploitation.

There were two separate incidents. The alleged incidents date back to 2010. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, a 15-year-old male met Lopicola through a Craigslist personal ad. Authorities say, the 15-year-old teen lied about his age and told Lopicola he was 18.

When the teen confronted Lopicola about his age, he responded "14 to 16 years old is perfect baby,” according to the affidavit.

The affidavit also states that the teenager spoke with Lopicola about attending high school and told him what grade he was in.

According to authorities, after the teen and Lopicola corresponded on Craigslist, there were text messages and pictures exchanged between them. Deputies say the teenager later met with Lopicola in person and they engaged in sexual acts.

In 2010, Lopicola allegedly placed another personal Craigslist ad stating he was 18 years old and was a male seeking a male. A 15-year-old boy answered Lopicola’s ad, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit states the 15-year-old teen lied to Lopicola about his age stating he was 16, but eventually told him his real age. When Lopicola found out the teenage boy was underage, authorities said Lopicola continued a relationship with him.

Authorities say, after the teen and Lopicola corresponded on Craigslist, there were multiple explicit text messages and pictures exchanged between them. The teenager later met with Lopicola and engaged in sexual activity with him, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Beach Police department, Farmington Hills Police department, the U.S. Marshals and the State Attorney’s Office were part of this ongoing investigation.  

Lopicola is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning.