Crime & Safety

Largo Man Admits to Molesting Teen He Met on Facebook, Deputies Say

According to detectives, the suspect and the teenage victim became acquainted through social media, specifically Facebook.

A 21-year-old Largo man faces charges of Lewd And Lascivious Battery On A Minor, after investigators allege that he engaged in sexual activity with a young teenager he met on Facebook.

Arnulfo Elias, who lives in the 6000 block of 150th Avenue N., allegedly engaged  in sexual activity with the 14-year-old victim multiple times.

According to detectives, the suspect and the victim became acquainted through
social media, specifically Facebook.

Through their investigation, detectives determined that the suspect engaged the victim in sexual activity 20 to 30 times from February 23, 2012, to January 26, 2013.

According to detectives, the victim first disclosed to an adult that the suspect had engaged her in sexual activity. The adult then reported it to the Sheriff's
Office on June 5th, 2013, and the Crimes Against Children Unit began its
investigation.

Elias admitted to the crime, after being interviewed at the Sheriff's Office, according to a press release. Elias was charged with lewd and lascivious battery and was subsequently transported to the Pinellas County
Jail.





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