Man Living in Osceola County Accused of Committing More Than 300 Sex Crimes on Child

A 37-year-old Venezuelan national living in Osceola County, Florida has been denied bail after the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office charged him with more than 300 crimes related to numerous alleged sexual assaults on a child.

According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the man being held in Osceola County Jail is accused of raping a child at least 57 times and showing her hundreds of pornographic films.

The man was arrested Thursday after the child supposedly told detectives and specialists at the Child Advocacy Center in Kissimmee, FL that the man had been sexually attacking her for more than one year.

When questioned about the alleged attacks, the man supposedly told investigators the child was lying.

According to arrest reports, the man was charged with 57 counts of sexual battery on a child, 10 counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, seven counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, 44 counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition and 215 counts of protection of minors from prohibited acts.

This man undoubtedly faces serious allegations and the fact that he has been denied bond shows that the court presumes the man is a danger to the community. While most defendants are entitled to bail, sometimes courts can deny this right. The process for bond begins with the State filing a motion and asking the court to find the defendant dangerous and unfit for release. The prosecution must present evidence that shows a person or community is at risk if the defendant is released. At the defendant’s first appearance, the judge will ultimately make the decision regarding bail. A judge usually looks at several factors to review if bail is acceptable, including:

• Type of crime or crimes
• Any evidence against the defendant
• Characteristics and personal history regarding the defendant
• If any danger is posed by the defendant’s release
• Risk of leaving the area

Essentially, the worse the crime, the more likely a judge will deny bail. When a defendant is denied bond, this is called pretrial or preventative detention. A judge’s order of denied bond must include a written statement describing the reasons for rejection.

It is important to note that a defendant can get bail, even if he or she is deemed dangerous, if there is a circumstance or combination of circumstances that will realistically guarantee the well-being of the community. The experienced Florida Sex Crimes Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help protect your rights and shed light on favorable evidence that can assist you with your pretrial release. Sex crime penalties provided for sex offenses by the State of Florida are exceptionally harsh, and being denied bond is an example of just one of those penalties. Following allegations of a sex crime, it is extremely important to realize that you have one opportunity to defend yourself. Before you release any statements to law enforcement and/or the Department of Children and Families or any other similar organization in regards to an allegation of capital sexual battery, child molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct or other various types of alleged sexual misconduct, you should speak with a Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney first.

If you have been arrested or charged with a sex crime or multiple counts of sex crimes, or if you have been denied bond pertaining to sex crimes charges in Orlando or throughout the state of Florida, contact the Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call our Orlando consultation office toll-free at 866-608-5529.