2nd Victim Found During Sexual Battery Investigation

RUSKIN, FL – A Ruskin man is facing additional sexual battery and kidnapping charges after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies found an incriminating video on his cell phone showing a second victim.

Deputies arrested Jerry Roberts, 32, of 729 21st Ave., S.E., Ruskin, in April after a woman reported that, on April 11, Roberts struck her multiple times in the face and head, held a machete to her neck, tied her up, sexually battered her and held her inside a vacant home for about 18 hours.

The woman was able to escape and contacted the sheriff’s office. Roberts was arrested on April 13 and booked into the Orient Road Jail.

While arresting him, deputies conducted a court-authorized search for evidence and confiscated Roberts’ cell phone. On the phone, they reportedly discovered a video of a woman bound and naked being sexually assaulted by Roberts. Deputies say the woman appeared drugged and unconscious.

Deputies have now identified the woman, who is out of state. She confirmed it was her in the video although she was unaware of the video’s existence.

As a result, on Thursday, May 17, the sheriff’s office charged Roberts with additional counts of sexual battery, kidnapping and aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

The sheriff’s office is now trying to find out if there are any other victims.

Those with information should contact the sheriff’s office at (813) 247-8200.

Image via Hillsborough Sheriff