Wanted Hillsborough County Child Molester Arrested in Largo

arrested Robert Paul Smith, 40, a registered sex offender wanted in Hillsborough County for lewd and lascivious child molestation.

On Dec. 18 Smith, a Largo resident, entered a Walmart at 1208 East Brandon Blvd. in Valrico and approached six young females. He touched them over their clothing on their buttocks, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

One of the girls is an 11-year old from Lakeland. Her father saw Smith touch the girl and confronted him in the store, according to the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office.

Law Enforcement was notified and warrants for Smith's arrest were issued.

The visited his residence but were unable to locate him until a call stating a vagrant was wandering Largo Municipal Golf Course came through today.

Largo Fire Department responded the call at 3:09 p.m.

According to Largo Police, Smith appeared to have self inflicted injuries and needed hospitalization.

When officers arrived to the scene they identified Smith and took him into custody for his outstanding warrant.

The incident in Walmart was recorded on surveillance video. Detectives identified that Smith also touched five other young girls in the store that day.

Hillsborough detectives are asking that the other victims notify the Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.