A Tampa man, accused of sexually abusing a child for years in the 90s, was arrested on Tuesday. Authorities claim the crimes happened at various locations in Pinellas County and Hillsborough County.
Detectives say Prudencio James Diaz, 67, met the alleged victim's mom through a newspaper dating platform in 1992 or 1993. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says he became involved in their lives and spoiled the mom and boy with dinner, movies and sporting events.
Approximately two months after Diaz met the child's mom, investigators say he began an inappropriate sexual relationship with the 9-year-old boy. The alleged victim told detectives the abuse became "routine" and happened a few times a week until the child was about 13 years old, according to law enforcement.
Detectives began their investigation on May 23 and say they were able to corroborate the victim's claims. On Tuesday, Diaz was interviewed by Pinellas County detectives in Largo.
"During the interview, Diaz admitted to the victim’s allegations of sexual abuse," the sheriff's office said.
Diaz was arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. He was charged with two counts of sexual battery on a child under 12 years old and two counts of sexual battery against a child 12 or older.
If you have any information on the case or believe you were a victim, you are asked to contact Detective Geoghegan of the Crimes Against Children Unit at 727-582-5662.
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