A night at a popular Marathon playground ended with handcuffs for all the wrong reasons when Monroe County deputies arrested a local man and woman who were reported to be having sex in full view of families on March 28. Witnesses included a family of three, one of whom was a juvenile, according to authorities. Both suspects were taken to jail and face multiple charges that include lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure and resisting arrest.
Deputies Respond After 8 p.m. Call
According to CBS News Miami, Monroe County deputies were dispatched around 8 p.m. on March 28 after reports that a man and woman were engaging in sexual activity in plain view at the City of Marathon Children's Rotary Park and the neighboring dog area. Deputies arrested 35-year-old Benjamin Andrew Frey and 42-year-old Kristi Lynn Ruiz, both of Marathon, and booked them on multiple counts tied to public lewdness and resisting arrest.
Family-Friendly Park Set Next To Dog Run
According to Visit Florida Keys, Children's Rotary Park is a three-acre playground that is popular with families and is located next to an off-leash dog area across from the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. The adjacent Marathon's Dog Park at 9805 Overseas Highway is listed on the City of Marathon parks pages, which note that both facilities are overseen by the city's Parks & Recreation department.
Witness Accounts And What Comes Next
CBS News Miami reports that deputies said witnesses included a family of three, with one juvenile present, and that both Frey and Ruiz were transported to the Monroe County jail. The report cites the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and notes that there were no additional comments at the time from city officials or county prosecutors.
Legal Notes
Both Frey and Ruiz face counts that include lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure and resisting arrest, according to the initial account from deputies. Information on formal charging documents, bond and upcoming court dates was not provided in the public summary and is expected to be set through the county's booking and arraignment process.
