Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org0
On Tuesday, March 28, 22-year-old Juan Alberto Pecina, of Live Oak, was booked into the Suwannee County Jail on multiple counts of sexual crimes against minors.
According to an arrest report filed by the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), the charges come from the statements of three different reporting parties. An 11-year-old told investigators Pecina committed sexual battery on them by inserting his finger inside them against their will and consent.
A 14-year-old made a similar statement, telling investigators that Pecina committed sexual battery against them by inserting his finger inside them without their consent. On top of that, the 14-year-old stated Pecina touched on and about their body without will or consent.
The third statement came from a 16-year-old, who told SCSO that Pecina touched their body, including the buttock area, against their will and without consent.
The SCSO report claims part of the crimes committed were also witnessed by other individuals at the time they happened. Pecina denied contact with the 11-year-old and 16-year-old. However, he admitted to touching the 14-year-old child, claiming it was consensual, but denied any form of penetration.
Pecina was charged with two counts of felony sexual assault on a minor; three counts of felony lewd and lascivious behavior; and one count of felony battery. His bond was set at $1,650,000.