Gainesville Man Arrested on Marion County Warrant for Misdemeanor Battery Despite Committing Sexual Offense

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Robert Burton Wetherington, 44, on June 10 on a Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) warrant for misdemeanor battery. An MCSO deputy initially charged Wetherington with lewd or lascivious battery, but a sergeant downgraded the charge.

On May 19, MCSO Deputy Brent Seeley responded to the incident location and made contact with the victim. 

According to the police report, the victim told Seeley that she and her boyfriend, John Benoit, invited their friend Wetherington over to their residence in Marion County to watch a movie. The victim said she was sitting between Wetherington and Benoit while they watched the movie. 

The police report states the victim told Seeley that Wetherington began touching her leg and asking to go to the bedroom with her. Wetherington reportedly touched her breast area and attempted to put his hands in her pants. The victim said she attempted to get Benoit’s attention to have him stop Wetherington, but he denied her the help. 

Steeley made contact with Wetherington over the phone, and he reportedly admitted to rubbing the victim’s back and touching her breast area. Wetherington reportedly stated he talked to the victim on the phone and requested she and Benoit have sex in front of him. 

Wetherington said the victim “did not tell him to stop,” confirming he never had consent in the first place. Wetherington claimed the victim “didn’t show signs of being uncomfortable.” 

On May 27, Sgt. Lightle with the MCSO Major Crimes Unit told Steely that “This case did not meet the statutory requirements for [lewd or lascivious battery].”

Wetherington was arrested at his residence in Gainesville and released soon after on a $1,000 bond.