A Gainesville man was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of sexual battery toward a 5-year-old.
Emilio Avalos Angel, 45, was charged with one capital felony count of sexual battery to a victim under 12.
Avalos Angel allegedly battered her countless times throughout 2014, according to his arrest report. At that time he served as her caretaker and guardian.
The case was transferred to Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Feb. 23, when the girl spoke with deputies. She said he touched her as early as age 4, but she could only remember the last time he did so at age 5.
When deputies asked how often it happened, she said anytime they were left alone, he would sexually batter her — there was only one instance in which she remembered Angel leaving her alone, according to the report.
ACSO deputies interrogated Angel Wednesday, when he allegedly denied any sexual contact and said the girl was coerced to say them as a result of custody disputes.He was arrested and taken to Alachua County Jail.
Capital offenses automatically deny bond and can see maximum charges of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, according to Florida Statutes.
His next court hearing is not scheduled as of Thursday evening.
Contact Aidan Bush at abush@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @aidandisto.
Aidan Bush is a fourth-year journalism major and the Summer 2024 Editor-in-Chief of The Alligator. In his free time, he likes to listen to music and go kayaking.
