Man accused of inappropriate touching

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL — St. Lucie County Sheriff’s investigators arrested a 44-year-old man accused of inappropriately touching a girl and making her cry, according to recently released affidavits and records.

David E. Trefz, of the 2200 block of Southeast Flanders Road, faces charges of sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation and violation of probation, following the alleged Sept. 25 incidents.

Trefz’s wife, 43-year-old Joie M. Trefz, also got arrested on a felony child neglect charge that stems from her husband’s alleged sex-related offenses.

The affidavits and records gave this account:

The victim told investigators that David Trefz touched her inappropriately at a campsite. He had no pants on at the time. At one point the touching hurt so she began crying, and he said he was sorry.

The victim said a similar incident happened about a year ago.

David Trefz was arrested Wednesday.

Joie Trefz, also arrested Wednesday, initially denied knowledge of the accusations, but a sheriff’s warrant affidavit states “it was apparent” she was aware of the “current allegations” as well as “past allegations.”

David Trefz was arrested in 2005 for lewd or lascivious molestation, but the charge got reduced to felony battery. He was put on probation for four years.

David Trefz was held Friday in the St. Lucie County jail on no bond, while his wife was released Wednesday on $25,000 bail, a jail official said.