September 1, 2009
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

DELAND MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A 44-year-old DeLand man is under arrest, facing charges that he lured a 12-year-old girl into his house Sunday night and then sexually assaulted her. On Tuesday, investigators with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office’s Sex Crimes Unit charged Antonio Hernandez with sexual battery and false imprisonment.

The Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation Sunday night, after the victim’s mother called 911 at about 8:45 p.m. to report that her daughter had been sexually assaulted. The girl said she was walking in the neighborhood Sunday night when Hernandez called her over. The victim said she knows Hernandez and felt comfortable walking up to him. When she did, Hernandez told the girl that he had some things of hers and that she could come in the house to get them. The girl agreed and went inside of Hernandez’ home on South Brooks Avenue just west of DeLand. Once inside, the girl said that the man forced himself on her and started kissing her. The girl said she tried to leave, but the defendant grabbed her and prevented her from leaving. He then proceeded to have sex with the girl, according to the victim. Afterwards, she said Hernandez gave her $20 and told her not tell anyone. The victim then ran to a neighbor to get help.

When Sheriff’s investigators interviewed Hernandez on Tuesday, he admitted giving the girl $20 but denied touching her. However, he eventually admitted having sexual contact with the girl, telling investigators: “I’m guilty for what I did and I’m sorry for my family.”

Hernandez is being transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach, where he will be held on $10,000 bond.