Winter Haven Man Accused Of Sex Crimes Against Child

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 42-year-old Winter Haven man was charged with three counts of sexual battery of a victim under 12 and related offenses after a child told police she was sexually battered and molested by him between the ages of 4 and 13, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Forty-two-year-old Max Hernandez also was charged with one count of sexual battery on a victim over 12 and one count of displaying obscene material harmful to a minor, the sheriff's office said in announcing the arrest Tuesday morning.

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"Hernandez is a predator, plain and simple. He groomed and lied to this child and repeatedly raped her," asserted Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "We will do everything we can to hold him accountable."

The sheriff's office said that the alleged sexual batteries occurred at two different locations in Polk County. The girl spoke with detectives on Friday. Hernandez was arrested later that day.

"The victim said the incidents of sexual abuse occurred almost daily when she was in the range of 7 to 9 years old," the sheriff's office said. "She stated that Hernandez showed her a movie of two men 'raping' a women and told her she should be careful because that could happen to her."

The sheriff's office said that Hernandez admitted that he sexually abused the child starting from the time she was 4 or 5 through the age of about 12.

"He told deputies he did not recall all of the sexual activity between himself and the child, but he admitted to specific sexual batteries and molestations," the sheriff's office said. "He admitted to showing her a pornographic movie. He told deputies that he told her that the pornographic movie was for educational purposes to manipulate her into thinking it was OK."

Judd said parents should pay attention to changes in their children.

"This is an important reminder for parents to be involved with their children and watch for changes in their moods," Judd said. "Communication is the key to helping to protect your children."

Max Hernandez photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office