Pasco County authorities have arrested a suspect in the sexual assault of a 71-year-old woman earlier this week. 

  • Arrest made in sex assault on woman, 71
  • Anton Dawkins, 23, of Port Richey arrested
  • Dawkins charged with sex battery and armed burglary

According to the sheriff's office, 23-year-old Anton Dawkins was taken into custody Tuesday. 

Investigators said Dawkins, of Port Richey approached the woman Monday morning as she was checking on her friend's home in the 7400 block of Heather Street in New Port Richey. 

The woman was able to identify Dawkins through his tattoos, deputies said. Authorities said they also made a match on a fingerprint on a Gatorade bottle left at the scene. 

Dawkins has been charged with sexual battery and armed burglary  of a dwelling.