Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Olin James Scott Jr., 29, was arrested yesterday on six felony charges involving the alleged lewd or lascivious molestation of two juvenile victims.
The case began with an anonymous report to the Florida Department of Children and Families. The Gainesville Police Department then conducted the criminal investigation.
According to investigators, forensic interviews with both victims described a “pattern of conduct and sexual gratification” involving the alleged inappropriate touching of young girls over several years. At least one victim was reportedly between 5 and 8 years old. Detectives said the victims provided similar accounts, leading the investigator to believe their statements were credible.
The victims also reportedly told the detective that additional female victims may exist, although those individuals have not yet been interviewed.
After being read his Miranda rights, Scott reportedly said he knew of accusations made by three victims. He downplayed the extent of his contact with them during the years in question. However, he reportedly acknowledged that a no-contact order had been issued in 2017 barring him from contacting one of the victims after allegations of sexual molestation.
Scott reportedly claimed the victims were conspiring against him either to cause trouble or because they were angry with him. He denied having any sexual contact with them.
Scott faces four counts of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a victim younger than 12, one count involving a victim between 12 and 16, and one count of lewd or lascivious conduct. His criminal history was unavailable because records involving sexual offenses are not posted. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered Scott held without bail while awaiting a hearing on the State Attorney’s Office request to keep him jailed without bail through trial. If that request is denied, bail will be determined at the hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
