A St. Petersburg man is behind bars after police say his 12-year-old niece unexpectedly gave birth in a Pinellas Park park last Thursday. Detectives say the girl did not know she was pregnant and later described multiple incidents of sexual battery involving her uncle. The suspect, identified as Delfin Back, was located at his St. Petersburg home and taken into custody on July 17. Officials said the young mother and newborn were treated at a local hospital and were reported to be healthy.
Police response and arrest
According to Tampa Bay 28, Pinellas Park officers were called to Helen Howarth Park around 10:30 p.m. after a caller reported that a child had just given birth. Detectives interviewed the girl, who told them she had not realized she was pregnant and detailed multiple incidents of molestation and sexual battery by her uncle.
Investigators then went to the suspect's St. Petersburg residence, where they found Back and arrested him on July 17. He was booked on a charge of capital sexual battery of a child. The outlet reports that both the child and the newborn received treatment at a local hospital and were in stable condition.
What the charge means under Florida law
As outlined by the Florida Senate, a person 18 or older who commits sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 commits a capital felony. The statute sets out special sentencing procedures if prosecutors seek the most severe penalties. That classification is reserved for some of the state’s most serious sexual offense cases involving very young children and can carry life-long prison exposure under certain circumstances. This legal framework is why detectives listed the allegation as capital sexual battery of a child.
Next steps and resources
Pinellas Park detectives have presented the case after their investigation, and it will now move through the local criminal justice system. The Pinellas Park Police Department's records page provides contact information for anyone with tips or questions about ongoing investigations.
If you suspect child abuse, the Florida Department of Children and Families operates the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, along with an online reporting portal for confidential reports.
