Land O' Lakes Library Volunteer Accused Of Molesting 14-Year-Old

LAND O’LAKES, Fl -- A volunteer at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library was arrested after being accused of molesting a 14-year-old boy at the library.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said 19-year-old Austin West, of 3201 Lois Court, Land O' Lakes, was arrested Thursday, May 10, and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation.

While at the library at 2818 Collier Parkway on Wednesday, the 14-year-old told deputies that West pulled his pants down and offered to perform a sex act.

The boy refused. According to the sheriff’s office, there were four other youngsters in the room when the molestation allegedly took place. West told them to look away, according to the report.

He is being held in the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

According to the library system, West completed a background check to work as a volunteer at the library on Jan. 29. His first shift was Feb. 9.

As a result of the complaint, he has been terminated. In addition, the Pasco County Library System has reviewed its volunteer policy and will no longer allow adults to volunteer at after-hours events for teenagers. Library staff will continue to supervise these events.

The library system conducts a background check on all adult volunteers before they are allowed to begin volunteer duty. Additional background checks are conducted on each volunteer annually.

The library system issued the following statement: “The Pasco County Library System takes the safety of all patrons and staff very seriously. The safety and security of all Pasco County library patrons is paramount.”

Image via Pasco Sheriff