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

Zachary Robert Hoyt (Arrested)
DOB: 1/03/1989
Address: 3749 45^th Way North in St. Petersburg
Charges: One count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12-years-old.

Per Florida Statute 119.071, 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 Pinellas County man for Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12-years-old.

When:
The investigation began on May 13, 2020 and the suspect was arrested at about 4:48 p.m. on May 14, 2020.

Where:
The suspect was arrested at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 31-year-old Zachary Hoyt for Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12-years-old.

Detectives began their investigation on May 13, 2020, after they were contacted by a family member of the victim. The family member suspected sexual abuse after witnessing Hoyt touching the victim inappropriately and acting suspicious after being seen.

According to detectives, Hoyt placed his hand under the victim’s clothing and touched her vagina. The victim described to investigators how Hoyt touched her and instructed her to be quiet.

Detectives interviewed Hoyt at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. During the interview, Hoyt admitted to having his hand under the victim’s clothes and said it was possible his DNA would be found on the victim’s vagina.

At about 4:48 p.m. on May 14, 2020, detectives arrested Hoyt and charged him with one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Less Than 12-years-old. Hoyt was subsequently transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.