Crime & Safety

Tuscaloosa investigators Charge Man With Sexual Abuse After Incident At Department Store

A man with a criminal record of similar offenses has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse after a recent incident at a local store

(Tuscaloosa County Jail)

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A man with a criminal record of similar offenses has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse after a recent incident at a local department store.


Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.


Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media on Wednesday that on Dec. 12, a woman reported to police that she was using the restroom at the store when a man reached underneath the stall and touched her sexually.

Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Kennedy said an investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit Sexual Assault Section resulted in Yonis Tomas Morales being identified as a suspect.

Kennedy went on to explain that investigators found Morales had been suspected of similar activity in the past, in addition to using multiple false names.

Find out what's happening in Tuscaloosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Morales was arrested on Dec. 15 on one count of first-degree sex abuse and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond.

Kennedy then said due to the nature of these assaults, and the known proclivities of these types of offenders, investigators encourage anyone who may have been a victim or knows of any possible abuse by Morales to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.


Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.