A 36-year-old man was arrested by Ocala police after allegedly masturbating in the waiting room of a local hospital.
On Friday, March 13, an Ocala Police Department officer responded to the medical facility in reference to a man exposing himself in front of a female patient. The name of the hospital was redacted in the arrest report.
The female victim told the officer that she had admitted herself to the hospital on Monday, March 2. She sat down in the waiting room, and a man – later identified as Brandon Leonardo Tatem – was reportedly sitting across from her.
While in the waiting room, the victim advised that Tatem “began reaching into his pants.” He then allegedly “pulled out” his penis and “began to masturbate,” according to the victim’s statement.
The victim further alleged that Tatem “continued to masturbate” for several minutes. She advised that she stood up and got the attention of staff members, who eventually entered the waiting room and separated Tatem and the victim.
The officer reviewed video surveillance footage of the incident, which reportedly showed Tatem sitting across from the victim at the time of the incident. Tatem was then allegedly observed reaching into his pants while making a “rubbing motion.”
On the footage, Tatem reportedly exposed his penis before masturbating for approximately two minutes.
The officer advised Tatem of his Miranda rights before asking about the incident. Tatem allegedly told the officer, “I know what happened.”
Tatem was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. His bond has been set at $1,000, and he is being charged with indecent exposure of sexual organs.
Marion County Court records show that Tatem has entered a written plea of not guilty. He is being represented by a public defender, and he is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18.