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

Ryan Justice Phillips (Arrested)
DOB: 06/18/1994
Address: 6298 51^st Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Charges: 4 counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation

The female victim was between the ages of 9 and 10 when the incidents occurred. Per Florida Statute 119.071, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives arrested an unincorporated St. Petersburg man for multiple counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation.

When:
The incidents occurred at a residence in Pinellas County.
The suspect was arrested March 27, 2019.

Where:
The incidents occurred at a residence in Pinellas County between November 2017 and July 2018.

Why/How:
Detectives arrested an unincorporated St. Petersburg man for multiple counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation.

The investigation began on March 25, 2019, after the 11 year old victim informed a family member of inappropriate sexual contact by a known subject.

Detectives say the victim reported that 24-year-old Ryan Phillips, who is known to the victim and her family, kissed the victim using his tongue. The victim said Phillips rubbed her vagina over her clothes, rubbed her buttocks under her clothes as well as licked and rubbed her breast and enticed the victim to rub Phillip’s penis on top of his clothes.

The victim told the detectives the incidents started in November 2017 and continued until July 2018.

On March 27, 2019, Phillips was interviewed by detectives at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Detectives say Phillips admitted to the allegations.

Phillips was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Phillips was charged with four felony counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation.

Detectives say it’s possible there are more victims in this case. Anyone who believes their child may be a victim or has information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Geoghegan of the Crimes Against Children Unit at (727) 582- 5662.

The investigation continues.