CITRUS COUNTY, Fla.- On Tuesday, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a sexual assault that had occurred in the early morning hours at a residence in Homosassa.
CCSO deputies responded to speak with the adult victim, who disclosed to officials details of the assault. Based on the nature of the allegations, Detective Ricci, with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) was assigned to further investigate the incident.
The victim told the detective they knew the suspect, 28-year-old Matthew Daniel Lee Hogue of Pinellas Park, and had allowed him into the residence the night prior due to him not having a place to stay. While speaking to officials, the victim stated that Hogue forced himself into a locked bedroom where the sexual assault took place.
During the investigation, Detective Ricci was able to obtain evidence, along with statements from Hogue that supported the victim’s allegations. Based on this information, Detective Ricci was able to obtain an arrest warrant on Hogue for sexual battery. Believing Hogue would flee to Pinellas County, Detective Ricci coordinated with CCSO members of the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force to assist in locating and apprehending Hogue.
On Wednesday, Task Force Officers located Hogue in Pinellas County where he was taken into custody for the arrest warrant and brought to the Pinellas County Jail. His bond was set at $10,000.00 per the warrant.
“Sexual offenses are particularly vile and affect not only the victims and their families, but our entire community. Detective Ricci, along with his fellow SVU detectives are advocates for victims of these heinous crimes, and work swiftly to make sure these violent offenders are arrested and held accountable,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “Thanks to our partnership with the United States Marshal’s Service, we are able to find and capture fugitives like Hogue wherever they run.”
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