A Lakeland man is behind bars for sexually battering a 14-year-old victim over Thanksgiving week.
On Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 at approximately 6:02 p.m., 25 year-old Stephon Chad Fulse, Jr (DOB 4-6-1999, 6319 Sunny Way, Lakeland, FL) was taken into custody after complaints were given to an employee at the victim’s school that Fulse had sexual intercourse with the victim on four separate occasions during the Thanksgiving break. The victim had been visiting family at a Winter Haven residence during the Thanksgiving break where the acts occurred.
According to the victim, Fulse and the victim were at the same residence from November 25 thru December 1, 2024 as well as December 6 thru December 8, 2024. The victim described the location and interior of the two separate rooms where the incidents occurred on four separate occasions.
During a phone call to the victim’s father, Fulse acknowledged he had sexual intercourse with the victim at the Winter Haven residence. He further stated he knew the victim was 14 years-old. He also described the locations inside of the residence where the intercourse occurred, matching the description given by the victim.
On Dec. 9, 2024, members from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Winter Haven detectives responded to Fulse’s Lakeland residence taking him into custody without incident.
He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with four counts of Sexual Battery of a Victim 12-17 years of age (F.S.S. 794.011(5), which is a First-Degree Felony.
“This absolutely sickens me to hear of the innocence robbed from this young child,” said Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe. “I am so glad this child trusted an adult to tell of these horrific acts and get this guy behind bars.”
If there is anyone who thinks there could possibly be more victims, please contact the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.
