Florida

Second Man Arrested in Sex Abuse Case of 13-Year-Old Girl in South Florida

A 32-year-old man was arrested Saturday for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

The man faces three felony charges of sexual battery. Prosecutors said the sexual abuse occurred more than five dozen times starting in 2016.

Late last week, a Hollywood pastor was arrested and charged with sexually abusing the same girl.

Police claim the pastor introduced the man to her and told her not to tell anyone or the man would “do harm to her and her mother,” according to police documents.

The man abused the girl at least six times beginning in January 2016, the documents said.

The pastor faces a single charge of performing a lewd or lascivious act on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.

The then-38-year-old molested the girl more than three dozen times, according to court records. Some of incidents took place in the parking lot at Dillard High School, police said.

Both men were booked into the Broward Main Jail. The 32-year-old man is being held without bond, while the pastor’s bond is set at $100,000.

When it comes to charges involving criminal sexual abuse, it is essential to understand the law and what types of evidence can be used against you. Our Florida Sexual Abuse Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton strive to help clients avoid punishment not only in the form of incarceration, but also the significant damage to one’s reputation that can follow simply from false accusations of sexual misconduct.

Because a conviction for sexual abuse can result in inclusion on the state’s sex offender database, it is imperative to seek legal help as soon as possible. Our Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers understand the life-changing consequences you face. You might be facing jail time, community service and registration as a sex offender, but you can also suffer damage to your professional reputation and loss of personal relationships. Our goal is to defend you from start to finish and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the most positive conclusion to your case.

For a free consultation to learn more about how we may be able to assist you, call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Mon Aug 20, 10:38am