Pinellas Park, Florida -- We're learning disturbing details about a case against a sexual predator in Pinellas Park.
On Monday, police arrested 35-year-old Michael Shepard who is accused of sexually battering a five-year-old girl and three boys, between eight and 10 years old. Detectives say the girl was sexual battered once and the boys were victimized multiple times over a period of several weeks, maybe months.
In all incidents, detectives say Michael Shepard was granted permission to be around the children. Detectives say Shepard built his relationship with the children by buying them games and toys and giving them money in an effort to earn their trust.
In an interview with detectives, Shepard denied touching any of the children. The case remains under investigation, and detectives say they are worried there may be more victims.
As of Tuesday morning, Sheppard is in jail without bond, and is currently facing 10 charges against the four victims.
Pinellas Park Police say Shepard was released from prison in 2013, after a 15-year sentence for sex crimes against children.
Anyone with information as it pertains to Shepard or this investigation are asked to call the Pinellas Park Police Department. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or report online at http://www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org/.
