Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Joseph Simpson (Arrested)
DOB: 02/23/1978
Address: Transient

Charges: Aggravated Battery and Attempted Sexual Battery

The victim is a 50-year-old female who is not known to the suspect. Per Fl. Statute, 119.071(2) (h) 1 no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have identified and arrested the suspect in an Aggravated Battery and Attempted Sexual Battery.  

When:
The investigation began on March 30, 2017.

The suspect was arrested on April 13, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m.   

Where: 
The crime occurred at 6700 46^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

How/Why:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have identified and arrested the suspect in an Aggravated Battery and Attempted Sexual Battery.

Detectives began their investigation on April 10, 2017, after the 50-year-old female victim, reported to law enforcement that someone had physically and sexually battered her.

On April 11, 2017, Detectives interviewed the victim, who confirmed on March 30, 2017, she was sexually battered and seriously injured by an unidentified male behind a business located at 6700 46^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

By utilizing various surveillance videos that captured an unidentified male at the scene. Detectives were able to identify the suspect as 39-year-old Joseph Simpson, an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail.

On April 13, 2017, at about 3:00 p.m., Detectives interviewed Simpson who admitted to the allegations. Simpson was charged with Aggravated Battery and Attempted Sexual Battery. 

Simpson is also awaiting trial for unrelated charges that include Burglary Structure Unoccupied, and three counts Grand Theft Motor Vehicle.

The investigation continues.

Booking Photo attached: