Florida sex offender makes $100K offer to buy girl from parent, police say

PORT ORANGE, Fla. (CBS12) — A registered sex offender in Florida offered $100,000 to a parent to buy their daughter, according to authorities.

The Port Orange Police Department said the offer happened on August 16 at a Winn-Dixie grocery store but it took time to put the investigation together.

Investigators said 85-year-old Hellmuth Kolb was insistent on buying the girl at the store. Her parent notified police.

While at that store, on that date, Hellmuth Kolb attempted to purchase a female minor child for $100,000.00, from her parent," police noted. "Due to the parent's clear concern that someone was insistent on attempting to purchase their daughter in a grocery store, we were notified. Unfortunately for him, we were able to confirm through his Probation Officer that Mr. Kolb is currently on probation for similar issues, and he is not to have any contact with minor children. Mr. Kolb should have simply stuck to just grocery shopping.

Kolb, following Thursday's arrest, was being held at the Volusia County Jail on charges of battery and false imprisonment.

Authorities did not release the age or identity of the girl.

Police asked anyone who has had similar contact with Kolb to contact Detective Nugent at 386-506-5894 or knugent@port-orange.org.

"We would appreciate any additional information that can be provided," police said.