Law enforcement officials have made an arrest after allegations of child sexual abuse surfaced recently. Andrew Rae IV, who is 20 years old, was charged with sexual battery due to incidents that allegedly began many years ago. Tampa criminal attorney John Musca has learned that Rae is accused of sexually molesting a young girl beginning when she was approximately five years old. At the time, Rae was about 10 years old. Police investigating the allegations believe that Rae continued committing sexual battery on the girl until 2004.
The investigation is not over yet, police said. The crimes allegedly took place over a number of years at a day care facility for children, which was operated by Rae's mother. The investigation has revealed information that suggests that there may be other victims and law enforcement officers are seeking two other children, in particular, who they believe were victimized by Rae at the day care center. None of the names of the victims have been released, which is common practice in sexual abuse cases and in cases involving children.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said that Rae was arrested and taken to the juvenile detention facility due to his youth at the time the crimes were committed, although he is an adult at this point in time. A person under the age of 18 who commits sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years of age may be guilty of a life felony under state law, depending on the circumstances of the crime (Florida Statute 794.011). Contrary to popular belief, there is no statute of limitations for the prosecution of a crime that is classified as a life felony. If the case is charged as a first-degree felony, however, the statute of limitations would be four years after the crime was committed.
If you have been arrested for sexual battery in the state of Florida, contact the Musca Law criminal defense team to discuss your case.
