Florida Dad Finds Snapchat Messages, Then Suspect Admits Sexual Battery
A Florida father is getting attention after a disturbing case out of Marion County led to the arrest of a 25-year-old man accused of sexually abusing an underage girl.
According to an arrest report cited by WCJB, the father found Snapchat messages between his daughter and Anthony Groves of Ocklawaha. The father then reportedly checked Groves’ phone and confirmed the messages were there too.
That confrontation turned physical. WCJB reported that Groves was punched several times before leaving the property. The incident reportedly happened at a home in Marion County on the Fourth of July.
Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office later spoke with the girl. According to investigators, she disclosed that Groves had sexually battered her multiple times. Authorities also said Groves sent explicit material to her.
The sheriff’s office said the girl reported five incidents of sexual battery. Investigators also said Groves sent two explicit videos over the past month.
Groves initially denied the nature of the relationship, according to authorities. Deputies said he claimed they were only friends, while also admitting he knew she was a child. Investigators then confronted him with the messages and the girl’s disclosure.
“During the interview, he initially claimed his relationship with the victim was only a friendship and admitted to knowing the victim was a child. Groves was then confronted about the messages he sent and the victim’s disclosure, and ultimately admitted to committing the sexual battery,” MCSO said.
WCJB reported that Groves was arrested Sunday. He was charged with five counts of sexual battery of a victim between 12 and 16 years of age, one count of transmission of harmful material to a minor, and one count of luring a child.
Groves was booked into the Marion County Jail. His bond was listed at $100,000.
As of the reports available, no charges had been filed against the girl’s father in connection with the confrontation. The criminal case is now focused on the allegations against Groves and the evidence deputies say they gathered during the investigation.
WESH reported that investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with more information is being asked to contact Detective Kephart at (352) 368-3562.
The case is another reminder for parents to pay close attention to the apps their children use and who is contacting them. Snapchat and other messaging platforms can make it easy for predators to reach minors quickly, privately, and repeatedly.