WEEKI WACHEE GARDENS, Fla. — Hernando County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a Weeki Wachee pastor Wednesday after one of his family members, a teen girl, accused him of sexually assaulting her.
William Martinez, 55, was reportedly alone with the underage girl at his home on Tuesday, July 9, in Brooksville. The girl traveled from New York to visit family in Hernando County, deputies said.
Martinez allegedly gave her an alcoholic drink and a THC gummy before assaulting her, the sheriff's office said in a news release.
One of the girl's family members reportedly brought her to the sheriff's office the next day to tell deputies what happened. An investigation saw forensic evidence collected at Martinez's home while blood and urine tests from the girl revealed the presence of alcohol and THC, according to deputies.
Martinez denied all of the girl's allegations after he was arrested, the sheriff's office said. After questioning, he was charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior of a victim over 12, less than 16 and two counts of sexual battery familial/custodial of a victim over 12 but less than 16.
The pastor was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond, deputies said.
The sheriff's office says anyone with information on this case can call Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone. Tips can also be submitted online here. The sheriff's office says those who submit tips will remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.