The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has issued a call for victims in the wake of the arrest of Pablo Rios Hernandez, a former deputy and youth group leader now facing child molestation charges; the sheriff's office urges anyone with relevant experiences to step forward. According to WFLA, Hernandez was taken into custody and charged with several counts of sexual battery and molestation, among other offenses, following an investigation that began with a tip received on February 24, 2023.
When detectives initially visited a Hillsborough County residence last year to investigate a reported incident involving Hernandez and a minor, the subsequent search led to the discovery of multiple electronic storage devices possessing pertinent content, Hernandez, 41, has worked with the sheriff's office from 2006 until 2019 and also served as a youth group leader at First Baptist Church of Riverview between August 2021 and February 2022, his employment history within the sheriff's office was marked by various traffic incidents and his failure to respond to a subpoena, the case has since moved forward, culminating in charges being officially filed on September 11, 2024.
"I am appalled and disgusted by the actions of this individual who preyed upon a child. There is no place in our community for these types of evil actions," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement that FOX 13 News reported. The charged offenses levied against Hernandez include sexual battery familiar or custodial authority, lewd or lascivious molestation for defendants over 18 against victims aged 12-15, the illicit sale or distribution of obscene material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Law enforcement's efforts continue as HCSO detectives push for others who may have been affected by Hernandez's actions to contact them at (813) 247-8200, a move echoed by Chronister's call for victims to come out of the silence; the sheriff's expression of both revulsion at the crimes attributed to Hernandez and his adamant stance that such behavior has no place within the fabric of community underscores this important step in seeking justice and providing support to survivors. The HCSO's determination in this manner is driven by both a commitment to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the community especially it's youth, a duty clearly articulated in these recent events and the ongoing investigation that has brought Hernandez's past into the harsh light of scrutiny, according to a report by ABC Action News.
