20-153 Detectives Arrest St. Petersburg Man for Lewd and Lascivious Battery

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

Dallas Taft (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 12/23/1998
Address: 5320 40^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Charge: Lewd and Lascivious Battery

The child is a female between the ages of 12 and 16. 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 St. Petersburg man for Lewd and Lascivious Battery.  

When:
The crime occurred in early July 2020 and the suspect was arrested on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 10:06 a.m.

Where:
The crime occurred at the suspect’s residence at 5320 40^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg and various other locations around Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg man for Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

According to detectives, 21-year-old Dallas Taft and the victim became acquainted through mutual friends at the Astro Skate located at 10001 66^th St N. Pinellas Park. Taft began speaking with the female victim using Instagram and Snapchat. During their conversations, the victim believed Taft was a senior at a local high school after viewing photos he posted. Taft also told the victim that he was a high school senior. Taft arranged a date to meet the victim and later picked her up at her residence.  

Investigators say during an interview, Taft admitted that was aware of the victim’s age when he engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim on multiple occasions.

Taft was arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he is held on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

If you have any further information we ask you to please call Detective Dennis Curtin at (727) 582-6050 or by email at dcurtin@pcsonet.com.

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