A 74-year-old man was arrested by Ocala police after he was accused of human trafficking and sexually assaulting a child under the age of 12.
On Thursday, October 23, an Ocala Police Department detective arrested local resident George Lee Rigsby on charges of sexual battery on a victim under the age of 12 and human trafficking of a child under the age of 12.
The arrest stems from an OPD investigation, which allegedly revealed that Rigsby had “engaged in sexual contact” with the child victim.
OPD stated that after the alleged sexual assault, Rigsby paid the child victim $8 and instructed the victim to not tell anyone about the incident.
Marion County Jail records show that Rigsby was booked into the facility at 11:38 a.m. on October 23. He remains in custody without bond, and his next court appearance will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25.
In a social media post, the Ocala Police Department stated that it is “fully committed to seeking justice for the victim and protecting the vulnerable in our community.”
If anyone has experienced “similar behavior” from Rigsby, or has additional information regarding this case, OPD asks that you call 352-369-7000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 352-368-STOP (7867).