A St, Cloud man and his girlfriend, the mother of a 7-year-old, have been arrested by St. Cloud Police after the child reported the man had sexually assaulted her for a year, and the mother alleged had knowledge and did nothing.
Jose Tolentino, 40, was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual battery on a victim under 12 years old and battery of child by throwing, tossing, projecting, or expelling certain fluids or materials, and is being held at the Osceola County Jail on no bond. Peaches Laws, 29, the mother, is charged with child neglect with great bodily harm and hindering or neglecting communication of a crime to law enforcement, and is held on $25,000 bond.
According to a graphic arrest report provided by police, on Tuesday the Department of Children and Families responded to a report at the home, where the girl said Tolentino touched her "private parts" with his hand and his private parts numerous times at the home, where the couple live with two children from previous relationships and one child of their own. The victim said the incidents happened when the mother was at work.
When questioned by investigators and police, Laws said she had no knowledge this was happening, but the victim stated she and other family members were aware but hadn't reported it to law enforcement. In fact, per the report, the victim was told by one of the charged -- the report redacts it -- “not to tell the police officers because her and (another of the children) would get in trouble and that they would never see them again”.
Police say they continue to investigate, and more charges are possible.
