A man the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office describes as a career offender has been arrested on sexual battery charges.
Andrew Halla, 47, was arrested Friday morning in the 3300 block of Orange Avenue, according to the sheriff's office.
He's accused of raping a woman in March.
Halla is a registered sex offender and has been convicted in the past of aggravated battery, sexual battery, false imprisonment and failure to register as a sex offender, the sheriff's office said.
“The bravery of this victim to come forward is to be commended,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara in a statement. “It was clear in her interview with detectives that she was aware of Halla’s violent past and was fearful of him, but she still knew coming forward was important.”
Halla is being held without bond at the St. Lucie County Jail.