Lake County man sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of child sex crimes

article

CREDIT: Tavares Police Department

ORLANDO, Fla. - A Lake County man was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 12 years of age and Giving Obscene Material to a Minor by a jury.

56-year-old Miguel Mendoza Ortiz was arrested in July 2020 following a Tavares Police Department (TPD) investigation.

The investigation came after a report was given to law enforcement that stated that a juvenile victim had disclosed being sexually abused by Ortiz.

Officials with the Tavares Police Department made contact with the victim who stated a number of sex offenses committed by Ortiz.

Detectives launched a thorough investigation which revealed Ortiz had abused the victim multiple times.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ortiz for lewd and lascivious behavior and giving obscene material to a minor.

"I commend this citizen for stepping up to help protect this child," said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. "They contacted law enforcement who were able to get the victim to a safe place, investigate, and apprehend this offender."

The Source: The information in this article came from The Tavares Police Department and was shared with FOX 35 News.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: