A 47-year-old man in Florida has been taken into custody for reportedly inappropriately touching a teenage girl who was among a group of young performers at a nearby haunted house.
Lonnie Joe Ward, Jr. was arrested on Saturday and faces a charge of felony lewd and lascivious behavior for allegedly molesting a victim under the age of 16, according to records.
On the evening of Friday, Oct. 11, deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report regarding a potential sexual offense occurring at a haunted house in Newberry, Florida.
When first responders reached the location, they spoke with the young victim who allegedly stated that she was employed at the temporary establishment as a “scare actor.” The victim told deputies that she was wrapping up her shift at the haunted house when the last visitor of the night was reportedly Ward.
A male juvenile “scare actor” was standing behind the victim, who was sitting in a chair, when Ward is said to have approached them.
According to reports, the victim informed officials that Ward positioned himself in front of her, then leaned down and made inappropriate physical contact over her clothing. Ward reportedly seized the victim by the arm, maintaining an unsettling gaze for approximately 30 seconds.
A report reveals that several teenagers were “hosting” the haunted house, while the alleged juvenile victim was 15 years old. The document also indicated that Ward allegedly touched the inner thigh of the teenage girl before grabbing her and looking at her.
A teenager present during the incident has reportedly supported the victim’s account, stating to investigators that Ward inappropriately touched the victim for approximately five seconds before seizing her arm and gazing at her for around 30 seconds.
Another teen reported that Ward then glanced at him with what seemed to be a look of astonishment, and subsequently attempted to “brush it off” before departing.
Ward was apprehended and processed at the Alachua County Jail at 12:47 a.m. on Saturday. Following the reading of his Miranda rights, investigators report that Ward refuted any claims of having inappropriately touched the victim or anyone else. He also stated that he was navigating the eerie house in search of his son.
Ward remains in custody with no option for bond. If released, the judge mandated that he must not have any contact with the victim. Documents indicate that officials from the state attorney’s office have submitted a notice of intent to request that Ward remain in custody until his trial date.
Reference: Gainesville man arrested for touching a minor at haunted house