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Highlands Today

Man Charged With Molesting 4-Year-Old

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By Joe  Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: October 2, 2007

SEBRING — A Sebring man remained in Highlands County Jail on a no-bond hold, after reportedly molesting a 4-year-old child who he baby sat for the last year.

Kendrick Matthew Clarke, 20, of 1030 E.O. Douglas Ave., was charged with sexual assault by a person older than 18 years old on a person less than 12 years of age (a capital felony) and child abuse, cruelty toward a child without great harm (a third-degree felony).

On Sept. 12, the child's mother called the sheriff's office explaining that Clarke, an acquaintance, periodically took care of her child.

She reported she became suspicious when the child reported some pain in a private area when the child was having a bath.

On Sept. 17, an interview with the child indicated that Clarke may have touched the child inappropriately. Clarke reportedly also kissed the child on the chest.

When investigators went to Clarke's home, where he lives with a relative, the relative let investigators inside. In Clarke's room deputies found "an abundance of photographs of children on the walls."

They also saw, "an abundance of children's clothing, including bathing suits and underwear on a dresser in Kendrick Clarke's bedroom."

During a non-custodial interview on Sept. 27, Clarke denied any criminal activity with the victim. After about an hour talking with investigators, Clarke reportedly admitted that an inappropriate touch happened accidentally and unintentionally while he was dressing the child.

Clarke told the investigator that he was not a pedophile and that he did not need any help (counseling or medical attention) for his actions, the report stated.

Clarke was taken into custody on Saturday.

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