Crime & Safety

18-Year-Old Charged with Sex Battery on a Toddler

When questioned by sheriff's deputies, Matthew Merritt told them that he knew what he did was wrong and that he felt dirty afterward.

An 18-year-old living in Port Richey has been accused of committing sex acts on a 4–year-old girl while in the New Port Richey area.

According to Pasco County Sheriff's Office reports, the man committed sex acts with the 4-year-old more than once in February. One time it was in a car.

When questioned by deputies, he told them that he knew what he did was wrong and that he felt dirty afterward.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Matthew Merritt of 9005 Ledgestone Lane in Port Richey was arrested Monday and charged with sex battery on a person under 12. Merritt remained in the Land O' Lakes Jail today without bond.

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