20-129 Detectives Arrest Retired Clearwater Officer for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Stephen Gregory White (Suspect – Arrested)
Age: 48-years-old 
Charge: Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

The female victim is a minor. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a retired Clearwater Police Officer for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

When:
The crimes occurred over a period of time between 2015 – 2016 while the victim was 12-years-old and younger.

White was arrested on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at approximately 3:00 p.m. at 4028 Little Road in New Port Richey.

Where:
The crime occurred at the suspect’s Pinellas County residence.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a retired Clearwater Police Officer for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

According to detectives, the investigation began on March 3, 2020 after the female victim disclosed the sexual abuse while in a Manatee County hospital.

During the investigation, detectives learned of two occasions where 48-year-old Stephen White entered the bedroom of the victim, exposed his penis and placed it in her hand while she was sleeping. 

Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for White and took him into custody on Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

White was taken to the Pasco County Jail where he was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child under 12.

White retired in November of 2019 after serving 18 years as a police officer with the City of Clearwater.

If you have any information or have been a victim in this case you are asked to contact Detective Serena Ghosio at (727) 582-6006 or by email at sghosio@pcsonet.com.

The investigation continues.