MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has arrested a 65-year-old man and charged him with lewd or lascivious conduct with a 6-year-old girl.
Deputies booked Mark Grabenstein into the Marion County jail on June 4 after investigating a report of sexual abuse that allegedly took place at his home at 6701 Cherry Road in Ocala.
The investigation
Deputies say a mother contacted the sheriff’s office after she observed bruising on the young girl’s thighs. Deputies say the child became upset when asked how she got the bruises and revealed an incident occurred at Grabenstein’s home.
On May 22, deputies say the child went to Grabenstein’s home with two other juveniles to play. While she was alone with Grabenstein, the child says he began to tickle her. The child reports he then placed her on his knee and began to rock her from side to side with his leg in the victim’s genital region while gripping her waist.
According to authorities, the child says her injuries were caused by what happened after the “wiggling,” but she refused to disclose additional information.
On June 4, detectives interviewed Grabenstein. They say he admitted the child was sitting on his knee but denied allegations of sexual abuse.
The sheriff’s office says a medical exam of the child produced positive findings for sexual abuse.
MCSO says based on the child’s report and corroborating injuries, they arrested Grabenstein and booked him into the jail.
Grabenstein posted a $15,000 bond and was released Thursday morning.
He’s due in court on July 9 at 9:00 a.m.
More cases possible
Due to the nature of the alleged crime and the fact that Grabenstein has had unsupervised access to children for several years, MCSO detectives believe there may be additional cases.
If you or someone you know has been victimized by Grabenstein, you’re urged to contact the investigating detective at (352) 671-3847.