PORT ST. LUCIE – A 21-year-old Port St. Lucie man was jailed for lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between 12 and 16 years old, according to a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Facebook posting.
An investigation, which began July 10 by the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division, led to the arrest of Shardwensly Aristil, according to the Facebook posting.
Deputies went to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce at the request of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, which was assisting the Florida Department of Children and Families with an investigation.
During the initial inquiry, investigators determined the reported offense occurred within the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, and the case was subsequently assigned to sheriff’s office detectives.
Aristil was in the St. Lucie County Jail, as of July 25, where he is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to the jail web site.
“Protecting children is among our highest priorities,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in a statement. “Our detectives worked diligently to investigate these allegations, gather the necessary evidence, and ensure the suspect was taken into custody. We remain committed to seeking justice for victims while safeguarding their privacy throughout the investigative process.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Detectives are asking anyone with information related to this investigation, or anyone who believes they may have had contact with the suspect under similar circumstances, to call the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division at 772-462-7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-273-TIPS (8477).