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

Erica Michelle Charles
DOB: 01/13/2000
Address: 9970 Indian Key Trail, Seminole
Charges: Three counts of Sexual Battery (child less than 12 years old), one count Lewd & Lascivious Molestation, one count of Prohibition Of Certain Acts In Connection with Obscenity

The victim was six years of age when the crime occurred. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Seminole woman for sexual battery on a six-year-old female.

When:
The incidents occurred between August 2019 and September 2019.

The suspect was arrested at about 2:33 pm on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Where:
The crime occurred at a private residence in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 19-year-old Erica Michelle Charles, a Seminole woman, for sexual battery on a six-year-old female.

According to detectives, their investigation began on October 4, 2019, after the Florida Department of Children and Family received a report alleging sexual abuse involving the six-year-old victim.

Detectives say their investigation revealed Erica Charles was babysitting the 6-year-old victim at the victim’s home between August 2019 and September 2019. While at the residence, Charles showed the female victim pornographic videos on her cell phone and directed the victim to perform a sex act on Charles. Charles also removed the victims clothing and sexually battered the victim on multiple occasions.

Detectives interviewed Charles, who admitted to the above charges. Charles was arrested at about 2:33 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Sheriff’s Administrative Building, located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Charles was transported to Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Detectives say there may be more victims and they are requesting the public to come forward with any information regarding inappropriate contact Charles may have had with other children.

Anyone with information regarding other potential victims is asked to contact Detective Pione or Detective Geoghegan with the Crimes Against Children Unit at (727) 582-6200.

The investigation continues.