A Florida teenager has confessed to sexually assaulting a 91-year-old woman earlier this year, according to court documents submitted this week.
A 14-year-old named Jesse Stone allegedly entered the residence of a nonagenarian victim during the summer, as reported by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman awoke at midnight to find an individual “sneaking through her home,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
The young offender viciously assaulted and molested his target.
On June 9, an event took place close to the small town of Reddick, located approximately 90 miles northwest of Orlando.
Following the startling event, authorities announced a $5,000 reward for any information that could assist in making an arrest.By June 17, the perpetrator was apprehended.
A local resident shared videos of Stone with law enforcement, as reported by the sheriff’s office and Tampa’s NBC affiliate WFLA. Subsequently, the neighbor observed the teenager cycling — dressed in the identical outfit he wore during the incident.
Authorities reported that they utilized DNA evidence and findings from a rape kit to establish that Stone was indeed the individual accountable for the offense.
In a later conversation with authorities, Stone reportedly confessed to the break-in, assaulting, and inappropriately touching the woman.
The teenager faces adult charges for one count of sexual assault involving a victim over 12 years old and for burglary of a dwelling with battery, according to court records.
Initially, he entered a plea of not guilty; however, he altered his plea on November 7 in front of Fifth Judicial Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon.
The hearing for Stone’s sentencing is scheduled for December 19. The incident has left the entire community in shock.