Sheriff's Office Urges Further Victims to Come Forward in Child Sexual Abuse Investigation; Offender to Remain in Jail Without Bond

On April 1, Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) deputies arrested Richard Alexander, 78, and charged him with five counts of child molestation and five counts of sexual battery against a child.

On April 6, ACSO made a public announcement regarding Alexander's arrest and said they believe there may be additional victims. Addressing them directly, ACSO wrote, "If you believe you may have experienced sexual battery, unwanted or inappropriate contact, or abuse involving Alexander, please know you are not alone. We encourage you to come forward and speak with investigators in a safe and supportive environment."

ACSO asked anyone with information to contact Deputy Lexi O'Steen, who is listed as the reporting officer for Alexander's arrest. She can be contacted at losteen@alachuasheriff.org

After Alexander was arrested, prosecutors submitted a pretrial detention motion to keep him in jail without bond.

On Thursday, Judge Denise Ferrero granted the motion.

According to the arrest report, Alexander took advantage of his familial relation towards the victim to sexually abuse her recurrently.

The arrest report states that a "controlled call was conducted between the victim and [Alexander] in the presence of law enforcement. During the course of the call, [Alexander] apologized to the victim for 'molesting' her as a child. He further noted that 'it was a sickness he could not control.' Following the controlled call, [Alexander] was located at his residence... and subsequently detained by law enforcement. [Alexander] was transported to [ACSO] and placed in a recorded interview room, where he was subsequently read his Miranda Rights. Post Miranda, [Alexander] admitted to 'molesting' the victim as a child."

Alexander will remain in the Alachua County Jail for the foreseeable future and he is currently housed in pod 1H, according to the local booking log.