HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A Masaryktown man with a previous conviction for child pornography is now facing serious charges of human trafficking and sexual battery.
Tomas Montesino, 42, was arrested on October 1st, 2024, following an investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in July when a female victim reported being sexually assaulted by Montesino at a residence on Sandlewood Avenue in Brooksville. The victim, who has several medical conditions, told detectives that Montesino, her former landlord, attacked her and sexually assaulted her when she went to the residence to retrieve personal belongings.
Read: Motorcyclist Killed In Head-On Collision On US-19 In Spring Hill
She also disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Montesino and another tenant on previous occasions but had not reported those incidents.
After a thorough investigation, detectives established probable cause to arrest Montesino on two counts of human trafficking and two counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a disabled person.
Montesino, who was already on probation for possession of child pornography, is being held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com Callers may remain anonymous.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.