Girl Sexually Battered While Selling Juice Boxes in Tampa

Deputies believe a 12-year-old girl was sexually battered while attempting to sell juice boxes door-to-door.

Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies claim a 45-year-old Thonotosassa man invited the girl inside after she knocked at his door. He allegedly would not allow the child to leave and sexually assaulted her.

After the alleged attack, the girl ran home and told her mother.

The man has been charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment.

The man’s long-time girlfriend told deputies that her boyfriend is not capable of molesting a child, and never touched her two young daughters.

The child was selling juice boxes in a mobile home community in Thonotosassa trying to make extra money while her father worked nearby.

Deputies claim when she knocked on the accused’s door, he invited her in, promising to give her more juice to sell and then grabbed and sexually assaulted her.

The man’s girlfriend told police that the couple does sell organic energy drinks from their home.

Being accused of sexual battery can be a nightmare, especially when allegations involve a minor. An individual accused of sexual battery in the state of Florida faces lengthy prison sentences and significant fines if convicted, not to mention the life-long humiliation of having to register as a sex offender.

A charge of sexual battery upon a person 12 years of age or older is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. These charges can be enhanced to a life felony if a deadly weapon or physical force was used in the commission of the crime, which is punishable by life in prison.

The state of Florida has some of the most harsh sex crime penalties, so it is important to understand what you are up against. You must protect yourself and your best interests by seeking the legal counsel of an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer. Should your case go to trial, your attorney can make sure you understand what evidence can be used against you and what your defense options are.

If you or someone you know is being charged with, or investigated for sexual battery, a Florida Sexual Battery Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you fight these charges. Sex crimes involving children are considered especially heinous offenses, so understand that prosecutors will stop at nothing to achieve a conviction. At Whittel & Melton, our sex crimes defense attorneys have successfully handled all types of sex crimes cases, including sexual battery, child molestation and sexual assault. To find out more about how we can help with your case, please fill out our online contact form or call us in Tampa at 813-221-3200, or reach us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529. Your initial consultation with us is always free, so do not delay!