Caregiver arrested, charged with multiple child sexual abuse crimes
On the evening of December 3, detectives with Florida’s Putnum County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged 37-year-old Corzelle Equain White of Palatka with several child sexual abuse crimes, including:
- sexual assault on a victim 12 to 18 years old by a custodial caregiver,
- cruelty toward a child by directing or promoting sexual performance of a child, and
- possession of child pornography.
The young victim told detectives that White used grooming behavior to coax the victim into having oral sex, which then escalated into having sex with the suspect. The victim told investigators the abuse by White occurred for about three years and caused the victim to have thoughts of self-harm and anger issues. The victim said White also recorded and took photos of some of the sexual acts.
Detectives were able to locate some of these images during a forensic download of White’s cellphone.
“I am so sorry that the victim in this case waited until the enormity of this situation became too great before coming forward,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said. “What this victim is going through is incomprehensible. A supposed trusted individual groomed this child to think this behavior was normal and acceptable. White’s actions are absolutely repulsive.”
During interviews, the victim told investigators that White mentioned three other potential victims.
“We have credible reason to believe there are more victims and we need parents and guardians to come forward so we can ensure these kids get the help they need as well as make sure this predator is held accountable for the lives he has tried to ruin.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 386-329-0800 and ask to speak to Detective Gogan.
(Source and images: Putnum County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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