MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Martin County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating a man accused of sexual battery on a child.
They say Jesus Tamanis-Peralta, 37, who resides in Martin County, is currently on the run and was last seen Thursday in Bradenton, Florida.
MCSO says Tamanis-Peralta has a tattoo depicting an “Old English”-style “B” on his upper right arm.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office tells WPTV's Cassandra Garcia that Tamanis-Peralta frequented the Manatee Creek community.
"We have a warrant — several charges of sexual battery," said Sheriff William Snyder. "Unfortunately he also videotaped some of the activity so he has additional charges for that.”
The abuse started when the girl was eight and has been happening for years. It came to light when a family member stumbled upon recordings and confronted Tamanis-Peralta on Dec. 2. He took off on Dec. 3.
Authorities are worried he will take off back to Mexico.
"It worries me because sometimes my kids go outside for a little while and it makes me think what would have happened if this person passed around my house. It scares me," said Manatee Creek resident Elizabeth Matias.
"These are capital felonies. They’re life felonies. If he’s apprehended, which I expect he will be, prosecuted and convicted, he’ll spend the rest of his life in jail," said Snyder.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office asks that you reach out to them if you have any information about Tamanis-Peralta’s whereabouts or know someone he may have victimized.
