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

Matthew Van Alstine (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 6/5/1984
Charge: Capital Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12

The female victim is under the age of 12. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives have arrested a Largo man for Capital Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12.

When:
Investigators say the crime occurred several times between February 2020 and November 2020. 

Where:
The crime occurred at the suspect’s residence and he was later arrested at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in Pasco County.

Why/How:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 36-year-old Matthew Van Alstine for Capital Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12.

Investigators learned of the crime on January 1, 2021 after the victim told a friend about the ongoing abuse. The victim’s friend told their parents who called the sheriff’s office to report it.

Crimes Against Children detectives and Child Protection investigators met with the witness and her parents at the Sheriff’s Administration Building where they learned what the victim said. Later, detectives, patrol deputies, and child protection investigators met with the victim and learned the details of the allegations.

Investigators discovered the victim was repeatedly sexually battered by Van Alstine from February 2020 until November 2020. The victim stated Van Alstine would enter her bed at night, sexually batter her, and then leave. Van Alstine threatened to hurt the victim’s family members if she said anything about the abuse.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives developed probable cause for Van Alstine’s arrest. An arrest warrant was obtained though the State Attorney’s Office and he was arrested on Monday, January 11, 2021.

During an interview with investigators, Van Alstine denied the allegations. He was transported to the Pasco County Jail where he is charged with Capital Sexual Battery of a Child Under 12.

If you have any information regarding this case you are asked to contact Detective Paden at (727)582-6200 or by email at npaden@pcsonet.com.

Pasco County booking Photo: