Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Michael Costner (Arrested)
DOB: 11/18/1998
Address: 5701 Haines Road, St. Petersburg
Arrested for Sexual Battery

Victim is a 4-year-old female who is known to the suspect. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a 16-year-old boy for felony sexual battery on a four-year-old girl.

When:
The suspect was arrested on March 19, 2015.
Detectives began investigating on March 18, 2015.

Where:
The crime occurred at a private residence in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
According to investigators, the 4-year-old disclosed to her mother that some inappropriate sexual conduct had occurred between her and the suspect. The mother in turn contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating. On March 19, 2014, detectives conducted an interview with the suspect, identified as 16-year-old Michael Costner.

Costner admitted to a sex act with the child. Costner was subsequently arrested for felony sexual battery. He was transported to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center (PJAC) without further incident.

Detectives say the crime occurred on at least one occasion over the last several months.

The investigation continues.