The Lakeland Police Department has arrested and charged a 14-year-old boy with the sexual battery of an employee at a Lakeland hotel Monday.
The juvenile suspect, identified by Lakeland Police officials Wednesday as Corey Lee Sutton, is being charged with sexual battery with serious personal injury, but also attempted second-degree murder and robbery.
Family members tipped off police after they recognized the teen from surveillance video.
According to officials, the boy had been reported missing by his mother since March 16.
Detectives conducted a formal interview with Sutton, with his mother's permission. Detectives said they obtained a full confession from the boy, who they said told them he originally only intended to rob the woman of her purse.
Officials said the 5-foot-7, 215 pound Sutton admitted to continually beating her with his fist and to the sexual assault that followed.
According to officers, workers at the Hyatt Hotel at The Lakeland Center found a woman outside the hotel in an area where hotel employees take breaks.
The woman who was attacked is an employee of the hotel, authorities said. Officials said the woman, who was waiting for a friend to get off work, was found just after 11 p.m. by other employees.
The whole thing came as a shock to neighbors.
“It’s a shame, makes you wonder what’s going on in their life to make them do something like that,” said Patricia Peters, a neighbor.
"I can't understand how he could do that," said Troy Burmeister, a neighbor.
Sutton attended the American Marine Institute in downtown Lakeland meant to help teens have a brighter future.
Authorities say Sutton has been arrested before for charges that include vehicle burglary.
“Based on our experience particularly those who work violent crimes, we’re not surprised,” Lakeland Police Dept. Cpt. Gregory Policastro.
Police say violent crimes among youth are up in Lakeland.
The State Attorney’s office is considering charging Sutton as an adult.