Gainesville Man Accused of Raping 19-Year-Old He Met at Bar

A man accused of having sex with a 19-year-old teen against her will in Gainesville was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Polk County Monday, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

The 24-year-old was booked into the Polk County Jail and is awaiting extradition back to Alachua County.

According to police, just after midnight on Sept. 11, officers responded to Northwest 28th Terrace to assist University of Florida police after a man ran from a traffic stop.

The man allegedly met the victim inside the Grog House bar Saturday night, police said.

Investigators said they left the bar and went to the vehicle to “make out.”

While inside the vehicle, the man allegedly forced the woman to have sex against her will, according to police. Reports claim that she began yelling for help and he sped away in the vehicle.

UPD saw the speeding vehicle and pulled the man over. They said he did not stop right away, but eventually stopped on Northwest 28th Terrace. Police claim he immediately ran off.

Air support and K-9 teams were called in to help locate the man, but were not successful.

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force in Gainesville requested the FRFTF office in Tampa for assistance in locating and apprehending the man.

GPD issued a warrant for the man’s arrest on kidnapping and sexual battery charges.

The man was arrested in Polk County.

Rape is one of the most serious crimes prosecuted in the state of Florida. All sex crimes are taken quite seriously in Florida courts. Sadly, the mere accusation that you have committed a sex crime can be a difficult stigma to overcome.

A conviction for rape can lead to severe consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence, heavy fines, and worst of all, mandatory sex offender registration for the rest of your life. With that said, it is important to work with a Florida Rape Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton who can help you with your case.

We want you to understand that a rape charge must be taken very seriously and dealt with immediately. We will do everything we can to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. For a free consultation, please call us today at 352-264-7800 or contact us online.