Man Sexually Battered 5-Year-Old Attending Birthday Party: Sheriff

PALMETTO, FL — A 5-year-old girl attending a friend’s birthday party in Palmetto was sexually battered by a neighbor also attending the event, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Christopher L. Thompson, 44, has been charged with capital sexual battery, exposing minors to harmful images, and production and possession of child pornography.

After the girl met Thompson Sunday at the birthday party in the 7000 block of Water Mill Street, he lured her across the street to his house and committed sexual battery, the sheriff’s office said. He also forced the 5-year-old to watch sexual material involving children and a man.

He told the girl not to tell anyone what happened, then went back to the party.

After executing a search warrant, detectives found images in his home indicating that Thompson has committed lewd and lascivious acts on multiple young girls, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies also removed a number of electronic devices from his home. On some of these devices, they found acts of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography, MCSO said.

The case remains under investigation and additional charges are expected, the sheriff’s office said. Detectives believe there are more victims and encourage anyone with information about similar incidents involving Thompson to contact MCSO at 941-747-3011.