An Ocala man is behind bars after he was accused of sexually battering a 15-year-old girl who had run away from home.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, September 11, the juvenile victim was walking near the intersection of W Highway 40 and Highway 41 with 19-year-old Steven Michael Thomas Matychek when she was struck by a vehicle.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries, which required surgery. While at the hospital, the victim disclosed to medical staff that she had engaged in sexual activities with Matychek, and the staff members quickly reported this to law enforcement, according to MCSO.
An MCSO detective was assigned to investigate the case. The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation revealed that the victim had run away from her home in another county, and she had met Matychek using an online chat application.
The detective also learned that Matychek had secretly driven out of the county to pick up the victim and bring her back to his home in Ocala where they had sexual intercourse and engaged in other sexual activities, according to MCSO.
On Friday, September 15, a search warrant was obtained for Matychek’s residence located in the 4000 block of SW 168th Circle in Ocala. Matychek was located at the home, and he was transported to an MCSO office for an interview.
After being read his Miranda rights, Matychek initially denied that anything sexual had occurred with the victim, though he later admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victim. He admitted that he was aware that the victim was a minor, and he repeatedly stated during the interview that he did not want to go to jail, according to MCSO.
During the post-Miranda interview, Matychek also told investigators that he had an ex-girlfriend who was 13 years old.
Matychek was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $15,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for lewd or lascivious battery on a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age and for interference with child custody.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, according to jail records.
Based on the evidence collected and interviews that were conducted with Matychak, MCSO detectives believe that Matychak may have more underage victims.
If you feel that you are a victim of Matychak, or you know someone who may have been a victim, the sheriff’s office asks that you call Detective Santana-Palau at 352-368-3548. Additionally, anyone with information that wishes to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-50 in your tip.