A Florida man has been arrested in El Paso, Texas, following a six-month investigation into multiple child sex crimes spanning several years and jurisdictions.
Giovanni Curtis, 22, was taken into custody by the El Paso Police Department on a Flagler County fugitive warrant for child sexual abuse, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
The investigation began in May, when a victim’s parent contacted detectives after learning that Curtis had allegedly inappropriately touched their child multiple times and performed oral sex on another victim. The parent also told investigators that Curtis admitted to touching other children when confronted.
Inter-Agency Cooperation Leads to Arrest
Detectives from the FCSO Major Case Unit traveled to El Paso with support from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to interview Curtis. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to the allegations, and detectives recovered corroborating evidence outlining years of abuse.
Investigators determined that Curtis was 13 years old when the crimes occurred in Flagler County. The FCSO is now coordinating with other agencies to probe potential additional offenses in other jurisdictions.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly praised the detectives for their persistent efforts and vowed to seek justice for all victims.
“This arrest shows that time does not erase the trauma caused by predators who victimize and steal the innocence of young children, and being a child yourself does not provide you immunity from the law,” Sheriff Staly said.
He also commended the victims for their courage, adding,
“Their brave actions may have prevented others from becoming victims.”
Curtis faces a charge of Sexual Battery on a Victim Under 12 and is currently held at the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $150,000 bond, awaiting extradition to Flagler County.
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