A 65-year-old Orlando man is facing a serious felony charge after what was supposed to be a family vacation in Bradenton Beach ended with an allegation that he sexually assaulted a child. Harold Marinus is charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child under 12. He has pleaded not guilty, and a circuit judge has ordered that he be held without bond.
According to the Bradenton Herald, investigators say the Bradenton Beach allegation centers on an incident inside a vacation rental in June 2025. The arrest report cited in that coverage states the child told investigators Marinus first touched her over her clothing, then put his hand under her clothing and continued the sexual contact. The report also says Marinus sent text messages to his wife apologizing for what he had done.
Allegations and Prior Arrest
Booking records posted online indicate Marinus was arrested in Orlando in October 2025. Those logs list charges including sexual battery on a child and lewd or lascivious conduct, according to Florida Arrests. Prosecutors later filed the Manatee County charge tied specifically to the Bradenton Beach vacation.
Court Status and Potential Penalties
Marinus has entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial. Court filings show Circuit Judge Frederick P. Mercurio ordered him held without bond in February. As reported by the Bradenton Herald, he is charged with one count of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child under 12. Under Florida law, that offense may be prosecuted as a life felony and can carry a sentence of life in prison; see Florida Statutes §800.04 for the statutory language.
Next Steps in the Case
The case is pending in Manatee County, and court records show Marinus is scheduled to appear at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Public dockets and hearing dates are available through the clerk's online case search at the Manatee Clerk case search. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty, and investigators say the probe is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the alleged incidents is asked to contact Bradenton Beach police or the State Attorney’s Office. The Manatee County clerk’s calendar will continue to list upcoming hearings as the case moves forward.
