Police: Man Sexually Battered Girl, 12, in Gulfport

A 24-year-old man faces charges of sexual battery on a 12-year-old girl in Gulfport, authorities said Tuesday. 

Anthony Dixon, of St. Petersburg, confessed to fondling the girl, whom he knew, according to Gulfport Police.

Dixon was arrested Friday and was already in jail on separate charges of possession of marijuana and misuse of the 911 system when he was interviewed by police. The alleged battery took place sometime in the week prior to his arrest, officials said.

The alleged victim's relation to the suspect and further details were not released.

According to police, Dixon was arrested April 2010 on a sexual battery charge, which was reduced to felony battery and for which he is still on probation.

Dixon was being held at the Pinellas County Jail on $10,300 bond and is awaiting trial, online records show.

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