A 67-year-old Venice man was arrested Thursday in Punta Gorda on sex crime allegations, and investigators say they believe there could be additional victims they haven't yet identified. Kevin Johns, who has ties to both Charlotte County and Punta Gorda, now faces multiple felony charges tied to a minor.
Johns faces two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor age 16 or 17 by a person age 24 or older, according to a Venice Police news release cited by WINK News. He also faces one count described by that outlet as indecent, lewd or lascivious touching of a minor age 16 or 17 by a person age 24 or older, while Gulf Coast News Now described the same count as indecent, lewd or lascivious contact with a minor age 16 or 17 by a person age 24 or older. Johns additionally faces one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, per the release.
Multi-Agency Arrest in Punta Gorda
Johns was taken into custody Thursday at a home on the 3800 block of Bordeaux Drive in Punta Gorda, according to jail records cited by the Charlotte Sun. The arrest came after a Venice Police Department investigation, with the Punta Gorda Police Department and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office assisting, the station's report notes. Johns is being held at the Charlotte County Jail while he awaits extradition to the Sarasota County Jail.
Under Florida law, sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old by someone 24 or older is classified as a second-degree felony, according to Florida Statute Section 794.05. Separately, using a two-way communications device to facilitate or further the commission of a felony is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute Section 934.215.
Detectives Believe More Victims May Exist
Venice Police detectives believe there may be additional victims connected to Johns, per the release, and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Detective Sam Montes of the Venice Police Department is handling the investigation. Johns is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the same account notes.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact Venice Police at 941-882-7556. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Sarasota Crime Stoppers at 941-366-8477. Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center offers a 24-hour helpline at 941-365-1976 for anyone affected.
