An Ocala man has been arrested following a lengthy investigation that began with a handwritten note passed to a teacher. Authorities say the disclosure led to charges of sexual abuse spanning several years.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Abraham Rodriguez, 62, on October 2. He faces counts of capital sexual battery on a victim under the age of 12, as well as sexual battery on a victim between 12 and 18. Both charges are felonies. Rodriguez is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
Disclosure at school
According to an arrest affidavit, the case came to light when a juvenile student wrote a note to a teacher on October 1, stating she had been sexually assaulted for years by Rodriguez. The report notes the incident occurred at a local high school, but the school’s name has been redacted from public documents.
School staff immediately notified the guidance counselor and the school resource officer, who contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded and interviewed the student, who said she had been abused since the age of 10.
Forensic interview
The student was transported to Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, where she participated in a forensic interview. Investigators said the victim described multiple incidents at Rodriguez’s residence on SW 159th Street Road in Ocala. The most recent occurrence allegedly took place in mid-September.
The affidavit states the victim appeared quiet and visibly uncomfortable during the interview, often avoiding eye contact. She described the abuse beginning when Rodriguez babysat her as a child, and continuing into her teenage years. Details provided to investigators included both capital sexual battery and sexual battery.
The Department of Children and Families was also called to assist in the case.
Arrest and denial
Detectives transported Rodriguez for questioning. Before investigators could review the allegations with him, he made unsolicited denials, claiming he had “never touched” the victim. He described her as a “good person” and said she was not a liar, but could not explain why she made the accusations.
Deputies reported Rodriguez admitted the victim had been at his home recently to do laundry but denied any sexual contact.
After reviewing the victim’s statements, the forensic interview, and other evidence, deputies arrested Rodriguez. He was booked into the Marion County Jail the same day.
The case has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
