Citrus County Man Accused of Sexual Battery of 3-Year-Old Girl

Crystal River, FL – An 18-year-old Crystal River man was arrested last week for allegedly raping a 3-year-old Crystal River girl.

The alleged incident was brought to the attention of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 26.

The child was apparently interviewed by the Sheriff Office’s Child Protective Team and told police that the man touched her private area while she was at his home.

Police claim the man confirmed the child’s story and admitted to placing his hands down the child’s pants two months ago. According to the arrest report, the man told police about a 4-year-old victim in another law enforcement jurisdiction.

He was arrested and charged with sexual battery of a victim under 12.

The man was denied bond.

Sexual battery is taken quite seriously in the state of Florida, especially when it involves a child. Florida law makes it a capital offense for any person 18 years or older to sexually batter a victim under the age of 12. A person convicted of this offense faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Because this is viewed as such a serious offense, bond is usually denied for the accused awaiting trial.

It is important to understand that being accused of sexual battery does not mean you have been convicted. You do have options, and it is important to begin protecting your rights immediately. Sadly, these charges have the ability to follow you around for the rest of your life. A Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer at Whittel & Melton knows exactly what is at stake for you and can fight for your rights and provide you with a strong defense strategy.

Being accused of capital sexual battery is perhaps the most severe criminal charge you could face. That is why it absolutely necessary to have an aggressive trial attorney on your side to review every shred of evidence in your case and help you decide the best way to proceed. With the potential that a criminal conviction has for affecting your future, you must seek help immediately in order to obtain the most favorable results possible. If you or a family member has been accused of sexual battery in Citrus County or elsewhere in Florida, contact a Florida Capital Sexual Battery Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton online or reach us locally at 352-726-0078. You can reach us statewide and toll-free 24/7 by dialing 1-866-608-5529.