A man identified by the sheriff's office as Jose Aguilar was arrested today in Hardee County on allegations that include sexual battery on a juvenile and possession of child pornography. He is being held at the county detention facility, and sheriff's officials say the matter remains an active criminal investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
What the sheriff's post says
According to the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, Aguilar was arrested by law enforcement and is charged with sexual battery (a first‑degree felony), possession of child pornography (a third‑degree felony) and unlawful use of a two‑way communication device to commit a felony. The post says Aguilar is in custody at the Hardee County Jail and that the investigation is active. The sheriff's office listed Detective Jamie Wright as the investigator to contact with tips and named Col. James “Chip” Roberts as the media contact.
What the charges mean
Sexual battery under Florida law can be charged in varying degrees depending on the victim's age and the relationship to the offender. Florida's sexual battery statute, Fla. Stat. 794.011, as published by the Florida Senate, includes a subsection covering sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority that is a first‑degree felony.
Possession of child pornography is defined and penalized under Fla. Stat. 827.071(5) on child pornography, which the Florida Senate notes treats each image or file as a separate offense and generally classifies possession as a third‑degree felony. Those statutes set out the possible penalties and are the legal basis for the counts the sheriff listed.
Contact and investigation
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jamie Wright at 863‑773‑0304 ext. 266, the sheriff's post said. Media inquiries were directed to Col. James “Chip” Roberts at 863‑773‑0304 or [email protected]. The Hardee County Detention page lists the sheriff's office and detention facility at 900 East Summit St. in Wauchula, where Aguilar is being held. The sheriff's office emphasized the investigation remains active and investigators continue to seek information.
Reporting and victim resources
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse in Florida, the Florida Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1‑800‑962‑2873, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Local authorities did not release further details while the active investigation continues.
