NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday and accused of sexual battery on a minor, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said Damien Patrick Miles was employed as a veterinary technician at the county’s animal shelter.
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According to his arrest report, Miles coerced the victim into engaging in sexual acts at the animal shelter. Deputies also said the victim’s parents reported finding “concerning communications” on their child’s phone, including frequent text messages, phone calls and Cash App transfers totaling $350 from Miles.
The report also says the victim told deputies that on July 9, he coerced them into having sex.
On July 11, a controlled and recorded phone call was made from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division interview room. In that call, the victim and Miles engaged in conversation over the past events, including the sexual acts and the consequences of those acts, the arrest report says.
Based on the results of that phone call, Miles was brought into the sheriff’s office for an interview and later booked into jail.
“Children are our most vulnerable population, and I will do everything in my power to protect them,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper. “Predators are out there looking for opportunities to prey on our children. Thanks to the swift work of our detectives, this individual is now where he belongs, behind bars.”
Miles has been terminated from his position at the animal shelter, according to the sheriff’s office.
He is facing two counts of sexual battery. His bond was set at just over $150,000.