Miami Handyman Accused Of Fondling Teen
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A Miami handyman was arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a young teenage girl.
Julio Leyva, 36, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of lewd & lascivious molestation of a child 12 to 16 years old.
The incident allegedly happened last Sunday afternoon at the north beach section of Key Biscayne.
The 13-year old girl told police Leyva fondled her genital area and then sexually battered her, according to his arrest affidavit.
Leyva faces two counts of sexual battery and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child between 12 and 16 years old.
Leyva is being held on $60,000 bond.
Visitors to the popular park Wednesday told CBS4's Lauren Pastrana that they were shocked to learn something like that happened there and in the middle of the day.
"That's a terrible thing. People have to be careful. They shouldn't be here alone," said park-goer Ronny Edelstein, adding, "Go in groups. Watch out. A place like this, it could be very dangerous."
"It has to be at the wrong place with the wrong people. That's the way it is. We never know when the bad thing is going to happen," said Charlie Osorio, another Crandon Park visitor.
Records show Leyva was previously arrested on a battery charge about three years ago. According to police, the girl identified Leyva from an old mugshot.
If you have any additional information for police, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
