Clearwater Man Charged With Molesting Girl, 14

A Clearwater man was arrested Friday and charged with molesting a 14-year-old girl at least four times last month, authorities said.

Jeffrey Joseph Lacava, 30, of 15354 Waverly St., was charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a minor, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spokesperson.

Detectives began investigating the case earlier this month after the alleged victim told her sister she had been touched by the suspect in a sexual manner, officials said. The sister reported it to authorities, and the Crimes Against Children Unit opened an investigation.

The alleged incidents occurred on at least four separate occasions at a private residence in Clearwater in October, officials said. The victim was reportedly known to the suspect.

Lacava also faces unrelated charges of violation of probation for grand theft and possession of a controlled substance, authorities said. He was taken to Pinellas County Jail, where he is being held on $20,000 bond and is awaiting trial.

The investigation continues.