Jailed puppeteer known as the “cotton candy man” and “snow cone man” to local kids

FLORIDA
Bay News 9

By Erin Maloney, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 25, 2012

LARGO —
The pastor at Gulf Coast Church in Largo said families are reeling after learning about church member and volunteer Ron Brown.

He was arrested and charged with conspiring to kidnap a child, and possession of child pornography.

Dozens of parents trusted Brown to bring their children to church every Wednesday. Anthony Cummings said he would even feed the boys pizza before heading to church.

Anthony’s mother Lexis said it was innocent enough until she learned about his arrest. Authorities say Brown chatted online with one man about his fantasy to strangle and eat a child’s body.

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