Pinellas County, Florida officials arrested a 27-year-old Orlando, Fl native over the weekend for allegedly touching a 5-year-old inappropriately while she was in his care. He was charged with sexual battery.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the child was in the man’s custody in her Palm Harbor home on May 29 when the supposed sexual battery occurred.
Evidently the child told a family member the alleged details on Thursday. The family member told the child’s mother who then contacted the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office.
The man was arrested in Palm Harbor on Saturday around 11:15 a.m. during a traffic stop, according to an arrest report. The investigation is still under way.
In the state of Florida, sexual battery is consider an attack on another person; the weapon being sex. Sexual battery is Florida’s term for rape which entails a person sexually penetrating another without his or her consent. There are different sexual acts that can fall into the category of sexual battery under Florida law, including the use of a sexual organ or any type of object to generate oral, anal or vaginal penetration that is unwanted by the other party.
When a rape charge involves a child under the age of 12, the sexual battery charge is elevated to a capital felony. This type of charge is quite serious and if convicted could be punishable by life in Florida State Prison.
It is important to note that this investigation is still ongoing. In the state of Florida, prosecutors have 21 days from the accused being arrested to formally file charges. During this time a skilled Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorney can present favorable evidence to the prosecutor, locate any witnesses and point out problems with the case. After the 21 days are up the prosecutor must decide if charges will be filed or not. By contacting a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorney immediately, an investigation can be put together to help ensure a fair end result.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for sexual battery in Tampa or anywhere throughout the state of Florida, contact the the Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers online or call our Tampa office at 813-221-3200 or reach us toll-free at 866-608-5529.