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

Thomas Nelson Daniels (Arrested)
DOB: 04/28/1952
Address: 1680 Tilley Avenue H-1, Clearwater
Charges: One count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old
                Two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

Two female victims were between the ages of six and eleven and eight to eleven at the time of the incidents. Per Florida Statute 119.071, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victims.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Clearwater man for one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

When:
The suspect was arrested at about 10:45 a.m. on August 9, 2019.

Where:
The suspect was arrested at the Sheriff’s Administration Building, located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. 

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Clearwater man for one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

According to detectives, their investigation began in June, 2019 when they were told by an adult female she was molested between the ages of six and eleven by Thomas Daniels, a family friend. Daniels was 43 to 48 years old at the time of these offenses. The victim stated over these years, Daniels would rub under her clothing, all over her breasts and vaginal area. The victim provided the names of several other female friends that could be victims because they too would visit Daniels’ house during this period of abuse.

Detectives located another female victim who is now an adult. This victim advised Daniels also sexual abused her between the ages of eight until eleven years old. She said Daniels, who was age 45 to 48 during this time, would rub her vaginal area under her clothing during the years of abuse. The victim said when she was eleven years old, Daniels once perform oral sex on her.

Daniels, now age 67, agreed to be interviewed by detectives at the Sheriff’s Administration Building. Daniels was confronted with the accusations and did not deny the allegations.

Detectives arrested Daniels and charged him with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation and one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old.

Daniels was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

Anyone who has information regarding this case or believes they have been a victim are asked to contact Detective Robinson of the Crimes Against Children Unit at (727) 582-6566.

The Investigation continues.