Accused child molester in custody

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office has charged 69-year-old Ralph W. Smith of Homosassa for acts he allegedly committed on a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old girl.

Smith was charged with capital sexual battery on the 6-year-old and lewd or lascivious molestation against the 9-year-old. Deputies say Smith knows both girls and there could be other victims.

"He's been living in the Tampa Bay area for the past 20 years, possibly 25 years," said Det. David Wyllie of the sheriff's office special victims unit. "He's been molesting kids for the last 30 years and we're still looking for victims. We know by his own admissions there's at least 10 out there."

Wyllie said Smith admitted to having a problem with young girls. Investigators also said Smith told them he couldn't remember the names of all his victims.

Smith was arrested Sept. 18, and detectives filed an additional charge two days later. Smith is being held without bond.

The sheriff's offices is asking anyone who may have knowledge of other possible victims to call the sheriff's tip line at 1-888-ANY-TIPS (269-8177).  Callers can remain anonymous.




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