Man Accused of Molesting 9-Year-Old Girl

A Florida man has been accused of kidnapping and molesting a 9-year-old girl.

A news release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says the 63-year-old man was arrested Saturday and charged with kidnapping, child abuse and molestation.

In their report, deputies claim the man approached the girl while she was playing with two other children in a neighbor’s yard. They allege the man asked the girl to show him her underwear and when she refused, he dragged her into the backyard and molested her.

Authorities also say the girl’s 4-year-old playmate confronted him, allowing the girl to escape. The report goes on to say that the 9-year-old girl’s mother also tried to confront the man before calling authorities.

Deputies said the man has an intellectual disability and lives at the Harbor Point Assisted Living Facility.

Sex crimes charges are emotionally charged and complex. What our Florida Child Molestation Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know is that there are two sides to each story. We understand the sensitive nature of these allegations and the severe punishments you face if convicted. We can help you establish a strong defense against any sex crimes charge. We will listen to your side of the story and explain what to expect as your case moves forward.

When facing a molestation charge, the state must prove each element of the crime it is alleging in order to obtain a conviction. We will start with a thorough investigation of our own to challenge the state’s case, including the alleged victim’s statement and statements from any witnesses. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, we will pursue the best possible outcome for you and make sure you understand every step of the way what is happening and why.

Just because you have been accused of a sex crime in Florida does not mean that you will be convicted. You have the right to defend yourself against any criminal charges that the state may choose to file. We can map out a powerful defense that identifies any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you in order to limit the strength of their arguments, as well as present arguments that help to justify and/or explain your alleged criminal behavior. By arguing defenses early on in your case, we may be able to help you avoid criminal charges entirely.

Regardless of the accusations being made against you, you are presumed innocent by authorities unless the state can prove its charges. That is where our legal team steps in to examine the evidence and challenge the charges you face. If the state has a strong case, we will fight aggressively to prevent conviction for a sex crime or, if necessary, argue for a lesser crime.

We understand that following a sex crimes charge, like molestation, that you might be worried and frightened. However, we will make sure you have the right opportunities and strategies to properly fight the case against you. There are many innocent people accused of sex crimes every day in Florida and across the United States. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to say anything to the police until you have your attorney present. Let our Florida Child Molestation Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton fight on your side to protect your legal rights.

When it comes to sexual offenses, the punishments that coincide with a conviction are meant to shame you and hinder you even after you complete any sentencing requirements. A conviction could follow you around for the rest of your life. In addition to prison time and heavy fines, you are required to register in a public database, where anyone with internet access can see the details of your crime.

Sex crimes also carry a very negative stigma, and jurors may very well have certain prejudices. The truth is that many sex offenses are based on false or exaggerated claims. Our job is to overcome the prejudices of the jury and point out the flaws in the prosecution’s case.

If you have been arrested on charges of child molestation, rape, sexual assault, or another sexual offense in Florida, what you do to protect yourself can decide your future. You must enlist the help of a sex crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible to attack these charges. Our Florida Child Molestation Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to provide you with dedicated and strategic defense representation against all sex crime charges. We strongly urge you to get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.