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Sheriff: Florida man arrested after molesting 9-year-old girl

Paul Gary Morgan
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SAFTEY HARBOR, Fla. (AP) — Authorities in Florida say a man has been accused of kidnapping and molesting a 9-year-old girl.

A news release from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says 63-year-old Paul Gary Morgan was arrested Saturday and charged with kidnapping, child abuse and molestation.

Deputies say Morgan approached the girl while she was playing with two other children in a neighbor's yard. They say Morgan asked the girl to show him her underwear and when she refused, he dragged her into the backyard and molested her.

Authorities say the girl's 4-year-old playmate confronted him, allowing the girl to escape. The victim's mother also tried to confront Morgan before calling authorities.

Deputies say Morgan has an intellectual disability and lives at the Harbor Point Assisted Living Facility. It's unclear whether he has an attorney.