FLORIDA
WFTV
[with video]
LEESBURG, Fla. — A deacon at First Baptist Church in Leesburg is accused of sexual battery on a girl under 10-years-old.
Thomas Halsey, 65, turned himself in to authorities Friday afternoon after investigators obtained his arrest warrant.
The victim’s mother reported that Halsey had been sexually abusing her daughter over a course of two years, but the victim told her mother about the alleged abuse this month.
In the arrest affidavit, the victim said she performed a sex act on Halsey on March 21 inside a large treehouse in Halsey’s backyard.
The treehouse is multi-level and contains bunk beds on the top level.
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