Man arrested for showing porn to minor

Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a man at an East County Wal-Mart for attempting to show a pornographic movie to a minor.

According to sheriff's office reports, Wal-Mart security staff observed Mehdi Mdalla, 33, approach a female juvenile several times while holding an iPhone playing a pornographic movie. The incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, at Wal-Mart, 2911 53rd Ave. E.

Mdalla appeared to be clearly targeting the juvenile by returning to her several times, the report said. The juvenile seemed to give little notice of the suspect's obvious advances and returned to her mother uninjured.

Mdalla was arrested and brought to CPID for a formal interview. Post-Miranda, he admitted he was playing a pornographic movie on his phone during the time in question but denied attempting to show the juvenile. Detectives believe there is a possibility that Mdalla has attempted or committed this lewd behavior in the past.

Anyone with information on any additional incidence of this nature regarding this suspect should call the sheriff's office, 747-3011.