A Palm Coast man is in custody on a Flagler County fugitive warrant for sexually abusing a child under the age of 12.
The El Paso Police Department arrested Giovanni Curtis, 22, of Palm Coast, in El Paso, Texas, over the weekend after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a six-month investigation led by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit into allegations of child sex crimes that occurred in various jurisdictions over several years.
Investigation
The investigation began in May after a parent of the victim contacted detectives upon learning that Curtis had inappropriately touched the child’s genitals multiple times over several years and that Curtis had performed oral sex on another victim. The parent also told detectives that when confronted with the abuse, Curtis stated that he touched other children as well.
With assistance from the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division, Major Case Unit detectives traveled to El Paso to speak with Curtis about the allegations. While there, Curtis admitted to the allegations, and detectives recovered information that outlined years of abuse and corroborated witness statements.
Through investigative means, detectives also determined that Curtis was 13 years old when he committed the crimes in Flagler County. Detectives are working with other agencies investigating additional crimes committed in other jurisdictions.
“This arrest shows that time does not erase the trauma caused by predators who victimize and steal the innocence away from young children, and being a child yourself does not provide you immunity from the law,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our detectives will continue to pursue justice for victims no matter how long it takes. I commend these young children for speaking up to hold this child predator accountable. Their brave actions may have prevented others from becoming victims. I thank Army CID for their assistance during this investigation.”
Arrest and Extradition
Curtis was arrested for sexual battery on a victim under 12. He was transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $150,000 bond and awaiting extradition to Flagler County.
