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

Nicholas Cocola (Arrested)
DOB: 05/31/1983
Address:1801 West Cluster Avenue in Tampa
Charges: One count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old
                One count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

The female victim was under the age of 12 when the crime occurred. Per Florida Statute 119.071, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

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

When:
The suspect was arrested at about 11:42 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Where:
The suspect was arrested at his residence located at 1801 West Cluster Avenue in Tampa.

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

According to detectives, their investigation began in February 2020 after a family member of the victim reported 36-year-old Nicholas Cocola had inappropriate sexual activity with the victim.

Detectives say the abuse occurred from October 2019 until February 2020 while the victim was in the care of Cocola. Detectives interviewed Cocola, who denied all allegations of sexual abuse. Cocola agreed to provide samples of his fingernails and a buccal swab for his DNA.

A laboratory report for DNA analysis revealed Cocola’s DNA was present on the victim’s genitals.

An arrest warrant was issued and Cocola was taken into custody at his residence in Tampa on March 23, 2020.

Cocola was charged with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation and one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12 Years Old.

Cocola was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail without further incident.

The Investigation continues.