Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies say the teen admitted to a sex act with the child.

LEALMAN – Pinellas County deputies said the investigation began after the child’s mother called them, saying her daughter had complained about inappropriate sexual conduct.

Michael Costner, 16, who lives on Haines Road in the unincorporated Lealman area, was arrested Thursday (March 19) and charged with felony sexual battery.

Deputies are withholding information that could tend to identify the child. But they say the child told her mother on Wednesday (March 18) that some inappropriate sexual conduct had occurred between her and the suspect. The mother in turn contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating.

Detectives conducted an interview Thursday (March 19) with the suspect, identified as 16-year-old Michael Costner. Deputies say Costner admitted to a sex act with the child. Costner was subsequently arrested and taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center without further incident. Detectives say the crime occurred on at least one occasion over the last several months.

The investigation continues. For information, see pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas County Sheriff | Lealman | Pinellas Crime | Child Abuse

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