A Florida man has been arrested and charged after sexually abusing a 12-year-old child earlier this year. The suspect is a convicted sex offender who failed to register as a sex offender for the last 20 years.
According to deputies, on July 21, 2022, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Arnulfo Zendejas, 42, for Sexual Battery.
Upon learning that Zendejas was a sexual offender who had failed to report his address to DHSMV, he was also charged with Failure by a Sexual Offender to Comply with Registration Requirements.
Detectives recently received information that on April 26, 2022, Zendejas sexually battered a 12-year-old child.
The victim told her parents, who contacted law enforcement. During the investigation into that offense, detectives learned that Zendejas was a sexual offender, having been convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct on May 29, 2001, in Lake County.
Detectives also learned that Zendejas has had an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation since 2002 when he absconded from a term of probation for the Lake County offense.
In the news: Plant City Man Dies After Crash With Tractor-Trailer In Pasco County
Zendejas’ whereabouts for the last 20 years are unknown. Therefore, detectives believe he may have more victims.
If you or someone you know has been victimized by Zendejas, or if you know where he may have been residing at any time since 2002, please call Detective Karla Santana-Palau at 352-368-3548.
“To help refresh the memory of any person who may have had contact with Zendejas, we have included two photographs of him – one from 2001 and another from 2022,” said Marion County Sheriff.
Zendejas is being held at the Marion County Jail with no bond.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.