Marianna Babysitter Accused of Molestation

On Monday August 2, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office received report from Jackson Hospital of Child Abuse allegations involving concerns of sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that the mother of the children, whom shall remain unnamed as to protect the identity of the children, had delivered her children to the hospital after developing concerns that her children may have been molested by a caregiver.

Further investigation including evidence collected during Sexual Assault Collection and Exam coupled with statements made by the child established probable cause that the 2 year old female child had in fact been sexually molested naming her perpetrator and that the 11 month old male sibling of the 2 year old victim had also been sexually molested.

The mother noted that the 2 year old had started acting differently after having been cared for, for several hours, on a day the previous week. It was determined that both children have been allowed access to the caregiver on several occasions for periods of time sufficient to molest a child.

The named alleged perpetrator is identified as Robert Hernandez, W/M, 30 years of age, from Marianna, Florida. Hernandez was located on Tuesday, August 3, and placed under lawful arrest for sexual battery on a child under 12 years old, and lodged in the Jackson County Correctional Facility. When Hernandez made first appearance in the Jackson County Courts he was held on a $250,000 Bond. This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this case or the named perpetrator is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at 850-482-9648.