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Pasco Library Volunteer Accused of Molesting Boy, 14

Austin Nathaniel West | Pasco Sheriff | Arrests

Four other juveniles were present, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said.

LAND O’ LAKES – A library volunteer has been accused of molesting and offering to perform a sex act on a 14-year-old boy, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said.

Austin Nathaniel West, 19, of Land O’ Lakes, was charged with one count each of lewd, lascivious molestation/fondling of a victim aged 12-15 and lewd, lascivious conduct with a victim younger than 16. Both charges are felonies.

Deputies said the incident happened at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. The 14-year-old boy told deputies that West had enticed him to engage in sexual activity. The boy, who said he felt scared and pressured by West, who encouraged him to expose his privates. He said West pulled his shorts down allowing him to view the boy’s private parts. West then offered to perform a sex act on the boy, who refused.

Four other juveniles were present and gave the same version of events, deputies said. The four told deputies West told them to look away while he prepared to commit the act on the boy.

West refused to talk about the incident, deputies said.

The Pasco County Library System issued this statement about the incident:

“The safety and security of all Pasco County Library patrons is paramount. Pasco County Libraries 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 background check on Austin West was completed Jan. 29, 2018. He was cleared to begin his volunteer work, and his first volunteer shift was February 9, 2018. As a result of the complaint against him, Mr. West was terminated as a volunteer on May 7, 2018.

“The Pasco County Library System takes the safety of all patrons and staff very seriously. Pasco County Libraries has reviewed our volunteer policy, and as a result of this case, will no longer allow adults to volunteer at after-hours events for teenagers. Library staff will continue to supervise these events.

“Pasco County Library System Volunteer policy is available here: bit.ly/2rAL0MY.”

Pasco Sheriff | Crime | Molestation | Arrests | Tampabay News

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