New Smyrna Beach Police said a man has been charged with lewd acts on a child.

Officers were dispatched just after 7:40 p.m. Wednesday to Florida Memorial Hospital. The dispatcher advised that a child had reportedly been sexually abused.

  • John Young was charged with lewd, lascivious acts on a child
  • The alleged victim was a 5-year-old boy
  • Police say Young, 59, was a family friend

When police arrived at the hospital, they say a witness told them that a 5-year-old boy was allegedly victim to lewd acts by John Young, a family friend.

The boy was lured with food out of sight of his guardian, according to investigators.

He was out of sight for only a few moments when the act allegedly occurred, according to a police news release. When the boy’s guardian went to check on him, she observed Young, 59, performing 'a lewd act' on the boy.

She immediately grabbed the boy, fleeing the residence before driving to the hospital.

A short time later, Young was located at his home and was placed under arrest for lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 12.

He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail with no bond.