Polk County Ex-Officer Accused of Sexually Abusing 3 Boys

A former Haines City police officer is facing life in prison after three children accused him of sexual battery.

The 44-year-old is a former Haines City police officer, and currently serves as a lead public safety officer at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus.

The man was arrested Friday after a lengthy standoff with a SWAT team in Plant City. Deputies claim that when they arrived at the man’s home to investigate a sexual abuse call, the man ran inside and barricaded himself with several weapons.

More than five hours later, the man surrendered.

The arrest report alleges that he raped three boys, performed sex acts on them, and forced them to do the same things to him. The boys are also claiming that over the last year he also forced them to have sex with each other.

Deputies say the man threatened the children with violence if they told anyone.

Two of the alleged victims are teenagers. The other is under the age of 12.

The man has been charged with capital sexual battery, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted. He is being held without bond.

A charge of capital sexual battery will result after being accused of having sex with a child under the age of 12. As mentioned previously, this crime is punishable by a mandatory sentence of life in prison. It is called capital sexual battery because in the past this crime was punishable by the death penalty.

A capital sexual battery case will not be dismissed just because you are innocent or the alleged victim is lying. These cases are tough – it is up to you and your defense team to prove your innocence. Capital sexual battery is considered a heinous crime, and is not an offense that you should leave to the public defender or decide to handle on your own. Once charged with this sex crime, you will likely be held without bail until your case is resolved.

If you have been accused of sexual battery, or feel you that you might be soon, do not talk to anyone other than a criminal defense lawyer about it. Anything you say to anyone, including your family, pastor/priest, or friends can and will be used against you. You must speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

A Florida Capital Sexual Battery Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you understand how to proceed during this difficult time. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn what steps to take next. Do not delay!