Child Molestation

Volusia County Youth Counselor Accused of Molesting Boy

A Volusia County-based youth counselor was arrested on a molestation charge Monday night after a 12-year-old boy claims the man molested him multiple times during the year, according to reports.

The 31-year-old was charged with one count of lewd and lascivious molestation and was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach on a $50,000 bond.

The man has a history of mentoring children.

The investigation into the man began a week ago after the boy allegedly disclosed to his therapist that the man had molested him. The man apparently took the boy to church activities and to play tennis.

While visiting the man at his house, the boy claims he was molested on several occasions. He also said the man had shown him pornography on his phone and computer, with most of the images involving young boys.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office investigators said the man has been mentoring youth, both at a church and at a children’s home.

Investigators seized property from the man’s home on Monday night while serving a search warrant to determine if he’s in possession of child pornography.

The news today is flooded with sex crimes accusations against children, most of which seem to involve teachers, coaches and counselors. These cases are extremely complex and not as cut and dry as police and prosecutors portray to the media. Sadly, a counselor accused of a sex crime against a child may find themselves convicted in the court of public opinion long before they even make it inside a courtroom. If you have been accused of committing a sexual offense against a child, you must speak to a Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer at Whittel & Melton at your earliest opportunity. There is a lot at stake, so you do not want to delay.

When an educator or counselor is accused of a sex crime, there is an immediate reaction of a violation of a position of trust. Make no mistake – these accusations will affect your reputation, your job and your relationships with family and friends. These cases often have no witnesses and rely solely on statements from the accuser, which are further complicated when that person is a child.

You do not want to face these charges alone or with an attorney that has no experience handling sex crimes cases. Let us help you understand what you are up against and develop a proactive strategy to achieve a successful outcome. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Tue Dec 6, 1:31pm