Sarasota Man Accused Of 2 Sexual Attacks; More Victims Feared

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota man has been accused in two sexual attacks of city women and police warned there may be additional victims in the community who have not yet come forward.

Twenty-five-year-old Gerald Hobson of the 2400 block of Chilk Avenue was charged with two counts of sexual battery, according to Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department.

Hobson was taken into custody last Sunday by Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies near 22nd Street and Mango Avenue after they learned he had an outstanding warrant stemming from a traffic violation. Hobson was later served at the Sarasota County Jail with two warrants for sexual battery, Judge said.

"Sarasota Police detectives have reason to believe there may be additional victims," Judge explained.

Both victims described similar attacks that occurred in February and July around Fredd Atkins Park in Sarasota. The woman provided similar physical descriptions of their attackers.

"Both victims also told Sarasota police detectives that Hobson forcefully pushed them to the ground and told them to be quiet," Judge said. "The victims do not know one another and do not know Hobson."

Judge said an "extensive search" of arrest records established a possible suspect based on the description given by the victims.

"Sarasota police detectives spoke with both victims separately and both identified Hobson from a photo lineup," Judge said.

Hobson was at the Sarasota County Jail on a $100,000 bond as of Friday. Police said Hobson had three felony convictions in 2018 for burglary, possession of a controlled substance and grand theft.

The victim from the first attack told police she was at Fredd Atkins Park between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in February when she fell asleep.

"When she woke up, she fell and said Hobson approached her to help her," according to Judge. " A short time later, the victim says Hobson pushed her down and sexually assaulted her. When the victim asked Hobson to stop, she said he told her he was going to smother her if she did not be quiet."

The woman who was attacked in July told police she too was around Fredd Atkins Park when she said she was approached by Hobson.

"The woman walked away but said Hobson continued to follow her," Judge said. "A short time later, the woman said she was pushed down, choked and sexually assaulted by Hobson."

To report a tip, call Detective Angela Cox of the Sarasota Police Departmemt at 941-263-6075 or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS. Alternatively, visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.