A 56-year-old Vero Beach man was arrested Monday on charges of sexual battery on a mentally defective person and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, according to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.
Richard Moore is accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old autistic person.
"If the allegations are true about Richard Moore a monster has been taken off the streets," said Sheriff Deryl Loar, with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say Moore met the teen at the North County Library in Sebastian. He talked the teen into going to his house, where he sexually assaulted the child, the sheriff's office said. While at his home, Moore used gifts to lure the child into sexual activity with him, according to investigators.
“He gave him his watch, he also while at the suspects house the suspect turned porn onto his cell phone trying to get the victim to watch pornography, leading up to the acts,” said Detective Jeremy Sheperd, who investigated the case.
For library patrons, it's a reminder of the possible dangers in their community.
"Definitely has to be a sense of awareness about the sickos that are everywhere nowadays," said Amy Forest, of Sebastian.
"It's just sick, it's sad, i'm just so glad they caught him," said Kim Smith, of Fellsmere.
Detectives believe Moore may have had relations with other children in the area.
"Indian River County is safer today with this monster off the streets. We have reason to believe that Moore may have had relations with other children in Vero Beach. If you or your child have had any contact with him, please contact our office immediately," stated Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar.
Moore is currently being held at the Indian River County Jail on $300,000.00 bond.
Detectives are combing through surveillance video to see if there may be anyone else Moore came into contact with.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Detective Jeremy Shepherd at (772) 978-6120.
