An Avon Park man remained in Highlands County Jail without bail Tuesday, charged with four counts of sexual battery on a child less than 12 years old.
Leonard Luis Melendez, 35, was booked into the Highlands County Jail late Friday, after the victim's mother reported the crime, which reportedly took place the last time on Jan. 2, while the victim was in his care.
The victim and the mother reportedly returned to their home and the victim was given a bath. The child complained of pain in a private area, but would not divulge what happened.
By Jan. 5, the child had not returned to the child's normal character, the report stated. She believed the victim had been abused and would not let Melendez near the victim, the report stated.
On Jan. 10, the victim told the mother what had happened. The victim told child crime investigators that Melendez had improperly touched and sexually abused the victim on six occasions.
On Jan. 28, Avon Park Police Sgt. Jason Lister stopped Melendez while he walked on West Main Street, and told him there was an open investigation being conducted.
Melendez reportedly agreed to speak with police and was driven to police headquarters. Initially he denied any wrongdoing. However, police report that Melendez at some point allegedly admitted to four incidents of sexual battery with the victim.
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