Arrest Made for Sexual Battery on a Child

February 18, 2016

Levy County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested Mariano Hernandez-Castro (9-26-71) on February 17, and have charged him with Sexual Battery of a Child under 12 and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a child under 12. Hernandez-Castro appeared before Levy County Judge Browning yesterday morning who set his bond at 1.75 million dollars.

LCSO Investigator Corporal Tom Martin received a report late afternoon on February 16^th from the parent of an 8 year old child.  The parent notified Corporal Martin that the child had disclosed on several visits to the Hernandez-Castro home, Mariano Hernandez-Castro had sexually battered the child. This abuse had occurred over a period of months.  The parent reported that Hernandez- Castro was known to the family.

Hernandez-Castro, whose primary language is Spanish; attempted to use this language barrier to avoid responsibility for his actions.  LCSO Investigator Noel Ramirez assisted Cpl. Martin during the interview of Hernandez-Castro. Investigator Ramirez is fluent in Spanish and was able to effectively communicate with Hernandez-Castro and obtained statements which led to his arrest.

Hernandez-Castro will be held at the Levy County Detention Facility until trial.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Criminal Investigations Division
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111

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