A senior citizen in Florida was arrested on Friday, December 30, 2022, following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.
According to investigators, on Thursday, deputies responded to a Port Charlotte home in reference to reports of an 87-year-old man having sexual interactions with a young child.
The child disclosed the activity to her mother, alleging that there was physical activity as well as nude photographs of her taken on the man’s cell phone.
The mother, who recalled being asked by the man for photos of herself because he was “horny,” then contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
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“The child was brought in for a forensic interview with the CCSO Special Interviewer of the Major Case Unit,” said CCSO.
According to investigators, during this interview, the child, explained that the man, identified as Joseph Charles Sorrentino, would coerce her into touching his penis and allowing him to touch her groin and buttocks.
The child provided explicit details of the alleged events and of Sorrentino’s genitals and indicated that the most recent occurrence had happened sometime since Christmas.
She went on to state that Sorrentino would even provide her with chocolate candy treats for doing what was asked. She did clarify that at no time did any form of penetration occur.
“This young girl has suffered trauma that no child – no person – should have to endure. It breaks my heart that this happened, but I hope that there is some peace of mind for her and for her mother that this individual is now facing the consequences. We will do everything we can to ensure justice is served appropriately,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Prummell.
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Earlier Friday, deputies met with Sorrentino and questioned him regarding these allegations. Sorrentino denied the accusations, but was unable to provide reasonable responses to some of the specific questions asked by investigators.
Additionally, some of the answers he provided corroborated certain details given by the child.
“Based on the totality of this investigation, Joseph Charles Sorrentino was placed under arrest on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Person Under the Age of 12,” said CCSO.
He is currently being held at the Charlotte County Jail.
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