Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Petru Veresan (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 01/01/1951
Home Address: 1310 Gulf Boulevard Apt 10B, Clearwater
Business: Peter’s Tailor Shop - 778 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs
Charges: One Count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, One Count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct

The victim is a 14-year-old female. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 72-year-old Petru Veresan for one count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct.

Detectives began an investigation after a 14-year-old victim reported that Veresan inappropriately touched her on numerous occasions while at Peter’s Tailor Shop, located at 778 Indian Rocks Road in Belleair Bluffs. He also made inappropriate sexual comments to her about wanting to have sex with her. The victim told detectives that these incidents did not just occur while Veresan was tailoring her clothing. Veresan is the owner of the business.  

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Veresan was interviewed by detectives and placed under arrest. Veresan admitted to possibly touching the victim inappropriately while tailoring clothing for her. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

If you have any information regarding this case, or if you believe you are a victim, you are asked to call Detective Kara Yakes at 727-582-6611 or by email at kyakes@pcsonet.com.

The investigation continues.