The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested an 18-year-old man on March 29, alleging that he sexually battered 5 girls between the ages of 12-15 over a span of two years.

  • Justin Cruey, 18, facing multiple charges
  • Cruey already on probation for other offenses
  • Investigators concerned there could have been other victims

Officials said Justin Cruey, 18, of Auburndale, now faces numerous charges, including 2 counts of sexual battery with threat of force and lewd and lascivious conduct on a person younger than 16 and older than 12.

Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said the victims in these crimes range in age from 12-15 years old. He specified that some of the incidents happened in 2016 and the girls are just coming forward now.

"One victim we just discovered," Judd said. "It happened some period of time ago, but she was afraid so she didn't say anything to anyone."

The Sheriff's Office said in the first incident, a 13-year-old girl claims Cruey snuck in through a bedroom window and forced himself on her, then fondled a 12-year-old girl who was also sleeping in the room.

Through their investigation, the sheriff's office learned another 12-year-old girl claimed Cruey pinned her down and sexually battered her at a public park in Winter Haven recently.

Detectives said they also spoke to a 15-year-old girl who told them a similar story about Cruey touching her inappropriately at the park and threatening her with a knife when she tried to leave.

"He doesn't just groom them," Judd explained. "He actually holds them down. He threatened one with a knife, so he a dangerous character."

After Cruey was arrested, a fifth victim came forward. She also said Cruey snuck in a bedroom window and performed a sexual act on her. She showed detectives a picture taken on her cell phone.

"There is nothing beneath his capability. He is just a sorry, scary human being," said Judd.

Judd said Cruey has a record dating back to when he was a juvenile, and was already on probation for other offenses.

Cruey is being held in the Polk County Jail on $95,000 bond for the sexual battery charges and no bond for violating probation.

Investigators are also concerned there could be more victims. They ask parents whose children may have come into contact with Cruey to talk to them and report anything suspicious.