[PHOTO CREDIT: Lake County Sheriff’s Office]
[Original Publish Date: 08/25/20]
LEESBURG, Florida — A suicidal man who was Baker Acted Aug. 16 and previously texted someone he “needed help” has been charged with numerous sex offenses involving children in both Fruitland Park and Leesburg, according to two arrest affidavits
A 13-year-old girl told police Steven Joseph Kotarski, 50, touched her on several occasions and bought her and another juvenile female alcohol at least once and allowed them to consume it at his home, according to an affidavit. When confronted via text message by the complainant, who is not identified, Kotarski allegedly replied he needed help and the victim was not supposed to tell. Kotarski then cut his wrist and sent the complainant a photo on Aug. 16, an affidavit states.
The complainant called police and Leesburg Police Department responded to Kotarksi’s place of employment on North 14th Street where they found him hiding inside; he was Baker Acted and transported to a local facility for treatment, the affidavit states.
On Wednesday, detectives with LPD and Fruitland Park Police Department met with the victim who detailed several incidents in which she said Kotarski inappropriately touched her, including underneath her clothes.
Kotarksi is believed to be “an extreme flight risk” and “suicide risk” due to statements he made while he was Baker Acted, FPPD detective noted in the affidavit. The detective requested Kotarski be held on no bond, but a Sunday morning check of online Lake County Jail records revealed he is being held on $55,000 bond.
Kotarksi is charged with sexual battery on a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications, The Angler and The Odyssey. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. Currently, along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal News, she is the Florida bureau chief for an international media organization. She has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
