Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Office: Man Charged with Molesting Four Boys

The victims are four males who were known to the suspect. Authorities say no other information will be released that would identify the victims.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in Clearwater after detectives learned that a total of four children had been sexually battered or molested on an ongoing basis by the suspect.

William Eugene Roberts, 42, was arrested on Feb. 21 on three counts of sex battery upon children under 12, and one count lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12.

The victims are four boys who were known to the suspect. Authorities say no other information will be released that would identify the victims. 

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According to detectives, one of the victims disclosed to his mother that he had been sexually battered Roberts from the time he was 6 to age 16; and that he had concerns over the safety of other children who were also in contact with the suspect.

Detectives said the woman confronted each of the other children independently and each said the suspect had sexually battered them.

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She reported the crime to the Sheriff's Office on Feb. 16 and the crimes against children unit began investigating the allegations.

According to the sheriff's report, detectives received information that Roberts, who is a truck driver, would be returning to the area on Feb. 21 and arrested him in Clearwater.

Detectives have some concerns that there may be other victims.

Anyone with information that may assist in this case can contact sergeant Kurt Romanosky of the crimes against children unit; or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

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