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

Joseph J. Stefanski, Jr.  (Arrested)
DOB: 03/27/1957
Address: 512 Braginton Street, Lot 39, Clearwater
Arrested for Capital Sexual Battery and 3-counts Lewd and Lascivious Molestation On A Child Under 12

Victim is an 8 year-old female (she was between the age of 5 and 7 when the crime occurred) who is known to the suspect. Per Florida Statute 119.071 (2)(h)1 no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a Clearwater man for Capital Sexual Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a child.

When:
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, November 10, 2015.

Where:
The crime occurred at a private residence in Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to investigators, the victim disclosed to her grandmother that the suspect, 58-year-old Joseph Stefanski, Jr.  had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with her on more than one occasion when she was between the ages of 5 and 7.

A family member reported the crime to the Sheriff’s Office on July 21, 2015 and detectives began their investigation.

Through various interviews and investigative techniques detectives were able to corroborate the information provided by the victim.

Detectives say the crime occurred while the victim was in the care of the suspect.

Stefanski was arrested on November 10, 2015 for Capital Sexual Battery and 3-counts Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. He was subsequently transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.